Yeah, im partial to the look of brass as well - it looks very nice with polished brass barbs. I priced up some brass, doesnt look too expensive - its such a pity, i scored so much copper so cheaply at a scrap yard, but i guess ill just have to make more blocks, haha
I managed to get 2500mm x 50mm x 9.52mm for 55nzd - about 30usd! There will be a few blocks made out of this stuff - 12 brass tops, cut to size have been priced at $10nz each, or about $6usd - total of 120nzd. Im going to look into getting them at half that thickness as well, I want to make this design somewhat more efficient.