The cut pieces of MDF came off the router far faster than I could hope to assemble them. In the end I just used my energy to feed the hungry MultiCam. I had to do up one piece however to satisfy my brain it would all go together as planned. Each rib (actually 1/4 rib) was made up from 8 pieces. They fit together perfectly as I knew they would. A little hand work with the die grinder added texture to the edged and rounded the outside corners to my satisfaction. Some paintable acrylic caulking rounded the inside corners in a hurry. Then I added a generous coat of Coastal Enterprises FSC-88-WB primer. The WB stands for water based. This primer is the consistency of heavy cream and when brushed with a small brush can leave random brush strokes for the perfect texture. When I add our 'rust paint' the end result will be 'cast iron ribs' that will look just right for our application.
Before I knew it I had a primed rib done to perfection! Stay tuned for progress on the next 19 pieces to come...
-dan