ArtMetal

Hi J4, and welcome,
First off, pour-stone is the product I use for cored aplication, and it sounds like the rusted rail your talking about is because of poor fabrication and finishing of the railing.

as to the straitener, it works great just take it slow or you end up with a dog leg

and pricing, ha ha ha, good luck

#1 - your only as good as your last job
#2 - you will learn when it costs you
#3 - when you figure out the answer to bidding let me know

the bidding subject is a bit tricky, every geological area is difforant as to the market and demand, also every smith is difforan as to how much there end product is WORTH.
I for one would be more than happy to share money isues after I have seen your work. Not to be rude, but the product always comes first.

Matt