Patrick...Unless you can build it for less that 55 bucks, she doesn't deserve it. Sorry Mindi
I thought money was at a premium these days, gotta think with your wallet.
You are always going to have to get extra guides, thread, etc. just to be able to tweak stuff. I have extra guides, reel seats and such just in case I want to change something once I have started laying it out. The initial investment costs the most, but is worth it is you will be wrapping for a while.
If you are getting your blems from mudhole, be careful, just cause they say they have it doesn't mean they do. I have been waiting 3 months for a blank that they assurred me they had.
Charlie