MaulMaus pretty much nailed it. It is a very pricey project .... or can be. It really depends on your desire. The Zam has got to be one of the most difficult for a couple reasons. Obviously because of the amount of leather work and all the details but also because there aren't very many of us. The Fett people (which I am too 
), are lucky because so many people make parts.
I lost track of my investment a long time ago but I'm sure it's got to be close to $3,000 or so. Now, some consideration has to be directed toward all the molding and casting materials which is very pricey. To make my shinguards initially, I think I spent about $500.00 getting one set made. This was because of all the molding and casting materials, not to mention many many many hours of labor and research
I know, this might sound discouraging but please don't let it be. You have to visualize and set small goals and stages of completed parts. Just look at a few parts at a time and eventually you'll get to the end
