I agree, the NJTackle kits are a tremendous value. I've built over a dozen plugs off Salty's blanks, not cheap but you get what you pay for.
I don't intend on buying a lathe anytime soon, so I'll probably continue to use both. I've also been making needles from hardwood dowel stock shaped on a drill press, which works as well. This winter I'm making darters on the drill press, should be interesting
-spence