Glad it worked for you- looking forward to seeing pics.
Machined aluminum is something of an 'exotic' material in car modeling. Many experienced builders haven't used it, and therefore aren't sure what is (and isn't) possible with it. So it really has little to do with you being a 'newb'. Without some experience or advice it's hard to guess what can improve a new material, or what will damage it. But it is good that you are finding advice useful.
