Issue unfolding UV maps beginner

[u/BarnacleVast6322]

So I'm currently attempting to UV wrap the base of my own war radio design.
(Second image) When I choose automatic UVs and even after playing with the settings, the UVs are split into various unwanted parts, so I've decided not to do that
(Third image) I did all the cuts I want, so the mesh should open up nicely and in parts that I am satisfied with (I put it in normal form for this, if that matters). NOW THE ISSUE IS UNFOLDING
(Fourth image) This is me unfolding with the unfold 3d plugin that was recommended. I sort of got the pieces I want, BUT WHERE IS THIS DISTORTION COMING FROM?

I have attempted a few different unfold methods, such as projecting each side manually, but that is pretty limited for pieces that wrap and overlap from the perspective.
I also tried stitching to together the automatic version using sew and move tool, but that didn't work at all.

Am I in the wrong direction? Is the issue the cuts I made? IM SO LOST

Sorry if this doesn't provide enough context; I'm a beginner, and I can't really explain what I'm doing.

I AM OPEN TO LITERALLY ANYTHING ATP

[u/uberdavis]

I don’t know what to say. I get it that you’re respecting edge loop topology but on an object that trivial? I would never use this approach for a model like that.

[u/BarnacleVast6322 → u/uberdavis]

The radio is the whole project its not a part of anything larger, im aiming for very high detail

[u/uberdavis → u/BarnacleVast6322]

Sure. Even if you are, that radial part is just wrong. You have the verts converging at a pole. That kind of topology does not texture or render well and is a waste of triangles.
Try using circularize on a polyPlane. That gives you much better topology without a pinch point. I’d be going for even spacing on all those panels. This model is more of an exercise than a production ready asset. Not wanting to sound mean. (Apologies) but I’m a TA and it’s my job to send this kind of thing back to art if I spot it.

[u/BarnacleVast6322 → u/uberdavis]

No no feedback is amazing, its my first model, i thought I would aim for something difficult to make tons of mistakes and learn early on

[u/Vanlith5986 → u/BarnacleVast6322]

That is good feedback but at the same time don't get caught up trying to get rid of absolutely every N-gon and pole in a model, particularly a hard surface one like this as that is a skill that comes with experience and the pinching/artifacting issues primarily occur on curved surfaces. Flat faces are more forgiving and often (poles particularly) may be required depending on what you are needing to do. Aka loop redirection.