I have the Markham Welding toothbar. It was $150 cheaper with shipping charges than any other one I priced, and it is excellent quality, was in my hands 3 days after I ordered it, and was followed up a week later with a "thank you for your order" letter.
Junkman,
You can see the reinforcement plates in my pics. Alan Markham includes it as an option because the sheet steel used on the smaller buckets is thinner than on the larger ones. He said the plates probably aren't necessary, but some folks have asked about reinforcing, so he provides them with every toothbar. I have not welded mine, they are just bolted in place acting as a washer, and no problems.