Jerry thanks much for the update and the work on this! Interesting that shaft is harder/softer in places.
Okay, since I first mentioned the Torrington bearings, I've had another thought. What about reducing the diameter of the shafts but only where the rockers run, hone each rocker as needed and just use loose needle bearings? For example: 1.5mm diameter loose needles not quite as long as the rockers. Machine the shaft .75mm where the rockers run and hone each rocker the same amount. Use grease to hold the roller bearings for assembly, slide the rockers on and use the spring loaded washers to reduce the oil flow. If that would work, replacing rollers as they wore would be simple ("everyman" could do this easily) and depending on the cost it might be less $$. The friction would be reduced in the same fashion.
Several of us posted all about the same time. Why not just skip the whole machining exercise and just start with new hollow round stock of the preferred diameter? Something like this…..
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Tubing-Welded-Bright-Annealed/dp/B002VRJWDQDrill the holes. Bush the shaft support stands. Loose needles or caged needles in the rockers, whichever floats your boat.
Easy peasy if you have a drill press, some cheap v blocks, and a free Saturday.
