I have access to a CNC mill capable of making an AP style cage as well as the computer software necessary to design one, but I still order from AP because it just isn't cost effective to do it myself. AP buys all of their materials in bulk from a wholesaler which = much cheaper.
For ball Pythons I would suggest that you get the T8. BP's don't need the extra height, and the T8 is only $150 + add ons/shipping. Plus the T8 will ship out from their shop in 10 days.