Hello Jim welcome to the site. I have worked on a few model A's over the years. I always made the panels because its easier than buying them here in the UK. An A is a good starter project as the panels ar fairly simple. Always make sure you have the new section made before cutting anything out. Practice on some scrap before you start on the car. You dont need lots of machines to make and fit patch panels below is a photo of a model a wing (fender) repaired using hand tools.
David