Back to the original project- - - -flipping the shafts over and drilling new lube holes- - - - -I'd suggest using a solid carbide drill bit in a drill press, a V block, and making press-fit brass plugs with a sliight taper to block off the original oil holes. There's not enough pressure inside the shaft to require a threaded plug.
Jerry
For “average Joe”… the guy with no access to a lathe…..just trying to make this work for less than the cost of new shaft…..I actually think the threaded plug approach might be more feasible. Easier to source, anyway.
That said, it’s amazing what McMaster Carr has available. Perhaps a tapered brass plug isn’t as hard to acquire as I imagine.
Are the shafts so hard that a special tap would be needed?
