Thanks. The 1st cut on the ends of the brace is ~22.5 degrees. I have a jig for that & use a hand held grinder with a cut-off wheel in the field. The actual length of the brace varies a little, preventing me from making the braces in the shop. (& the “shop” is not built yet) I have a small 6”piece of the pipe that I use to check the fit, while grinding the proper cope.
I’m a machinist. The welders I worked around always preached, “clean, well fitting metal, will make the welding easier, better., stronger.” I know the cows don’t care, but I gotta be me.
I have been using my mig machine because I learned that process pretty quick. MiG welding outdoors works well using the flux core wire. I don’t have to haul a gas bottle around. I do have some pretty interesting places to fence. I plan to try using the 6010 or 6011 to see if I can get good welds. I know the stick welding process, I’m just not very good at it (yet).
Good luck with your building. I am impressed by your welding skills & hope I can someday, lay a bead that looks & function as good as yours.