Notch not in pieces

Hey there Max, Im new here and I tried to search for my question and couldnt quite find it. Its pretty simple, so is a step notch stronger if you cut out the entire shape for each side, or is it stronger if I cut into individual plates welded together? In other words is 4 large plates or 12 small plates stronger?

Your going to create stress points if you weld 12 pieces together

Ok. So 4 pieces wolud be cool then? I have a 4'x4' 1/4'' plate that I should get at least the 4 side parts of the notch. Them I'll pick up some 3/16" plate for the top and bottom for both sides.

Edited: 5/19/2009 8:54:41 PM by customforlife

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by slimneverdiesOk. So 4 pieces wolud be cool then? I have a 4'x4' 1/4'' plate that I should get at least the 4 side parts of the notch. Them I'll pick up some 3/16" plate for the top and bottom for both sides.---------------------------------------------    im so lost lol

a twist on the original question. What do you think is stonger? Box tubing miter cut, or pieces of plate?

Yeah I figured it would be confusing. I made the mistake of typing what I was thinking. I was just curious if the side of the step notch would be stonger if it was one piece instead of 3 pieces welded together.

why dont you just get some 2x4 or 2x3 3/16ths or 1/4 wall to build your notches

I could. Then what to do with this big ass 1/4'' 4 feet x4 feet plate?  Thats the only reason I was asking about the strength of the pieces

you could use it for guessts some where, you could always use plate from time to time, but the 2x3 or 2x4 is the easiest and the fastest and very little welding to reduce the amount of heat that you give to the metal, but thats just me

Hmmm! You have a very valid point. I just dont see me using plate this thick for anything but framework on my whips.