We (son and I) appear to have used the same plans and to start our build. Not real happy with the stock performance. Want to change to a similar design for the head stock. Where did you find it?
Custom or built from a custom shop CAN not be more expensive than a production cue. Price out a Cuetec or Predator with 2 shafts, with their premium models, it is easy to get to $1500-2k. I did this and ended up with a Merry Widow from SugarTree for less with 2 shafts.