RE: Supplies from hardware stores
Well I might feel bad but I still spend $30 or more every time I walk in to the LHS on things like push rods, props, glow plugs, wheels, clevises, servos, CA, Epoxy and other special hardware.
My LHS does not stock button head cap screws, any kind of dope other than clear butaryte, no fabric covering at all, no brass tubing less than 36" long, no plywood over 36" long
Hit and miss stocking of K&S tools (taps and dies)
Plus half the time what they have in stock will not be enough for my project and I'll end up at the HW store anyway.