My main concern was that it is catered toward cnc shops. Nothing goes to manual guys anymore. The test piece is something i would do just to see what happens with them. All i would have spent on resources is cutting tools, oil, and electric.
Dave my machines are a Clausing 8530, SB9A, and the Derbyshire watchmaker Lathe. For a foot long piece of 1.5" 6063 is 15$. That doesnt sound terrible. I havent bought material much though.