Thanks David
I'll think of another reason to rationalize a lathe. I learned more about bushing in the past two minutes than from hours of thinking about them.
having the ability to make them is still number one when it comes to time and availability. if i break something and need it repaired now, paying myself $2 an hour to make a part beats waiting a few days on shipping. if you have a place close that stocks it all, then it's not as cut and dry of a decision. not to mention a lathe will cost you a fee hundred to a few thousand, but it's also a lifetime purchase, like any other tool you have for the shop. it may end up paying for itself with convenience, not necessarily volume.