1/2" Pickup and Return. How?

Drilling a hole in a piece of sheet metal will be way easier than welding. Additionally you don't have to worry about the welds cracking or the cover warping from heating it up.

You can do the work yourself at your own pace rather than having to hire someone.

I personally always look for a way to get out of hiring someone else. I'm picky and it's hard to get the quality I expect.

Not saying that welding or soldering wont work, because it will. AN fitting is just easier to do.