I'm not sure where Goinstraightup is buying is materials but When I built my Bingo I had $26 in Materials ($13 of which was for the landing gear) I did reuse the engine mount and some control horns but it was still much cheaper than the $86 that Ace wanted for the kit. I have enjoyed similar savings I every plane I have built from plans.

I used a Band saw to cut most of the parts stacking the ribs and cutting to the outside of mark and the sanding on a vertical belt sander to the exact size.

The Liteply I cut using an Exacto knife and use several pass with each one more pressure. It took about 5-6 hours to cut all parts to make a kit.

At the time I started building from plans I had a 90 mile round trip to the LHS so I built most every thing from plans and got very proficient at cut out kits and still build this way even with a LHS much nearer.

One advantage building from plans gives you is that you don't have to show up at the field with the same plane that every one else thinks is great at the time or you can have them before the become kitted by the manufacture.