What metal do you need? A sheet of 16 gauge at your local steel supplier should be a tenth of that without shipping and with 4'x8' you will have all you need. If you don't have a welder there's that cost and the assorted tools like a grinder and welding helmet etc that will add up but at harbor freight you should get away without hurting the wallet too bad. All in all with a good quality lower end welder you should be able to take care of it for much less than you allotted for that grand budget. Plus now you have a welder and other tools you can use (and save on) later or sell and recoup some wallet grass with.

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