LOL..yep...the 'vortex' does suck a lot of bucks our of your wallet..BUT..it can be obtained a little at a time.. Sounds like you got access to major tools needed...
Round Rock aint that far from Cedar Park ...and if knives are your interest...you might contact StateVet/George here on 2cool.. He is one super fine person and I'll bet he would be glad to have a 'show and tell' with ya . In my opinion, he is the 'Dean' of knife making around these parts...
good luck...and welcome... "Progress Pictures" are required down here in the 'basement'...