Fig. 144 shows two dimensioned sketches such as would be given a blacksmith for making an angle and a ring. To cut stock to the exact length for the angle, take the length of the neutral axis ah, which is practically 15 inches in this case. Likewise, stock for the ring is cut to a length equal to the length of the neutral axis plus an amount needed for scarfing and lapping for a weld. In homogeneous bars or plates of malleable metals, the neutral axis is practically in the middle plane, and bending stretches metal on one side of this plane about as much as it compresses metal on the other side.