Did anyone fabricate their own anti-theft shields to protect their catalytic convertors?

I've read the threads regarding Valhalla, Talon, and other after market shields. They look like excellent products but they are pricey. I was considering making a template from cardboard and having a friend cut the metal for me to install. I'd prefer not to spend $500-$1,000 and don't need anything fancy under my truck. Thoughts? Many thanks!
(BTW I just got my Tundra back today with a new exhaust system at a cost in excess of $8,000 to my insurance. So I'll spend the big bucks if I have to).

 

I did. I *think* I was the first on the forum to do it, but there are others who made much better looking ones. Mine also functions as a skid plate since I off road quite a bit. 3/16 steel

 

Thanks vry much for the reply including the photos. Much appreciated!

 

I went a different route. Mainly since I had most of the material on hand. My protection consists of hardend steel cable used to support telephone cables strung from pole to pole. Four runs each side clamped in about 10 places each pipe with steel L brackets blocking bolts and nuts. The cable runs start at the manifold and end about two feet downstream of the rear cat. The heavy duty clamps have been double nutted and the threads peened to make unbolting very difficult.
My Tundra is garaged at home and in a pretty secure campground during the winter months. I may spend a few hours fishing on the Gulf but there's one road in and out to access the peninsula where I stay so I'm not nearly as vulnerable as many here.
I wish I could record the mechanic's reaction that does my next oil change at Eastern Shores Toyota when he sees my cob-job. Stay tuned to the YouTube channel "Just rolled in" for pictures.

 

Different route here too, just had my muffler guy weld everything together (vs bolted from factory), then I took him some hardened rebar sections, he welded them all over the place, sure they can still be cut/stolen but it will be a long, slow, noisy process, attempting thieves will likely move along to an easier target. $60.

 

thank you much. Sounds like an inexpensive yet effective solution!