When I ordered my plates I had them cut a 1"x2" tab for my connections on 2 plates,I've seen where some people have a tab welded on also.Just make sure they're high enough above the end plates to make your el. connections.I just drilled a 1/4" hole and used ss bolts and washers.
question:
I have a drill press along with a vise that i use to drill my plates. however the problem that i have is that after the drill bit goes through the plate it kind of bends the plate a little. Is there anyway to avoid this.
Try using smaller drill bits. Start with 1/8" and go larger by 1/16 to 1/8 at a time. Slow speeds and oil. Back up the plates with 1/4" steel.