Doug the sidelock (read backlock) plates are actually slightly curver up at the end so they'll be a little space at the back of these when bolted onto the plate...the majority of the plate will be flush but the ends will curl up a fraction...OK?

When I pack in then charcoal everything is tapped down solid it's like a single mass before it goes in...I thought that was the right thing to do to keep everything stable and I'm sure that helps with any warping/movement.

T

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