smashed parrot nose

Quick welding hint, keep a few scrap pieces of brass in different shapes and sizes around. If you have a gap between your 2 pieces of metal or you are trying to fill holes put a piece of brass behind it and goto town. It will conduct the electricity but your weld wont stick to it, it will keep you from blowing through and save you time chasing holes that just get bigger.
I can't wait to see what your final product looks like, I also hate the pointy beak.