When you get ready to use the hinge slot machine, be sure to practice on some scrap a few times first. It will probably take a few tries to get the "feel" of it. the first couple of times it may try to walk around on you and you need to develop a technique. After that, it will be a snap. Used my machine last night to replace some some broken hinges in a friends rudder. Just cut off the old ones and cut new slots in less than a minute.

Just remember to take your time in the assembly and build it straight.

I wouldn't spend the money for an aluminum spinner on your first plane. Just use plastic of a suitable color or none even. Might even need a "heavy nut" for balance before you are done. Put this decision off til later if you can buy at the LHS.

You could build in the reinforcements needed for the taildragger mod while doing the assemby. This will reduce the time needed to convert it later and you will have better access to some areas.