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Going on to the other end of the olde Luscombe panel, holes cut to add more usability (gauges) must go away.
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Pattern paper has helpful translucence that enables layout of stuff underneath the paper.
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The paper now determines the blank, which is cut out, deburred, and taped to the part and is then carefully scribed around.
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Small compound-action offset aviation snips make the cuts, left-hand snips for one way and right-hand for the other.
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Cut, filed, de-burred and the blank is starting to fit - so I start tacking with the tig. I tack where it is easiest - no fighting, yet.
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At the top, by the tape, I had a small overlap so I just did a melt-back with the tig, and hammered it flat.
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I keep tacking and then weld a short stretch. All is smooth.
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I weld it all, in short stretches, balancing the tension by weld placement.
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I mow the proud bead down to level using a 100 grit belt.
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More mowing.
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After I weld the back side, I sand that, too. I want even thickness and also even surfaces - first by careful sanding and then by careful hammering.
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I've used this type sander for about 18 years. I've used many others. For this level of detail, I need accurate rapid metal removal. 'nuff said.
Next up: Hammering and filing.