I agree with hater do it how you want to do it, also agree with Kenny B. That's huge, I have a 1/16th on the back burner that is scale 144" my first also. All I can say is I like the .030 & .040 because it is more rigid. Remember haste makes wastes, save your self tome and money and plan your moves before using your knife.
Good luck, cant wait to see pictures.
Rich