I agree. However, we have a machine at home that we can use and as you mentioned, the fun along the way. :)
I completely agree that there are times when the fun in doing this outweighs the fact that you can get the decal for only $6!
A case in point is that I just completely refurbed a Lasko 20" box fan that you can easily buy for $20-$25. It belongs to my girlfriend's daughter and is her favorite fan. It got to the point that the motor wouldn't even turn, due to the ingestion of dust/dirt/hair. I spent a good half day cleaning everything, including taking the motor apart and doing a complete clean and lube. Working great now! Sure, I could buy another one for cheap, but the satisfaction of bringing it back to life, and not having it end up in the landfill, was worth it!
So, jonchos...have fun with this project...and post pictures!
-Mark