Speaking as a former Machinist, I can see where your Uncle is coming from. There were many times when I was tempted to make a prop, not to use, but just because it is such an intriquiging project.

It is also a LOT of work, and something you would do as a "Labor of Love".

Believe me, even if he WERE to make one for you, it wouldn't be something he'd want to do more than once or twice.

And don't think for a minute that metal will hold up better than plastic. A minor scrape will bend either one, but Plastic will return to it's original shape. Metal won't.

Metal props are just wrong in more ways than we can list.