Well I went to the scrap yard today and I'm glad I did. They had a big pile of precut steel blocks. All different sizes and thickness. I got 2 pieces and they totaled 600 lbs and it cost me $240. They were cut on a big band saw so they are quit smooth not like being cut with a torch. Steel was 40 cents a lb. I don't know what is considered a good ring or bounce, but bounce seems real good. The big one don't ring as much as the little one. The top plate is 3 inches thick. Actually the top plate rings more than I really would like, but it might not ring as much after it is welded to the bigger piece. Together they stand about 24 inches tall. I want to do some mill work on the top piece before I weld them together. Just a couple holes. Any other ideas what to do to the top piece? they see