I see. From what you're saying, and from the directions
here and
here, it looks like I could have done this myself with the right tools (a pipe cutter and the star nut setter). I wish I'd planned this out before sinking more money into the bike store. I get the feeling they overcharge a lot.
33 bucks is cheap once you've ruined a fork by cutting it too short - knowledge/experience does have a value....
if you cut with a pipe cutter, you have to file away some metal after cutting (especially on steel, not much on Al).
the pipe cutter enlarges the steerer outer diameter next to the cut, you won't be able to fit spacers/stem until you file away some material
hack saw with guide is a little easier in this respect, you only have to file off burrs and sharp edge.