Using Pipe as a shaft?

[namyessam]

I think your pipe idea would work fine. I would use two plugs per end. One welded to the end of the shaft that would barely slide into the pipe about a foot or so and one at the end of the pipe that would be welded to the end of the pipe. The shaft would stick out of the end of the pipe with enough length to go though a self centering bearing and keeper. This would keep your shafts at each end aligned and the centerlines of the shafts straight. Hope this helps.

 

[npalen]

Chris, I see that you are a Manufacturing Engineer. That's good because you will actually be able to build this thing as compared to being designed by a Design Engineer. Just kidding, of course, as I was a designer of farm tillage equipment before retirement. I'm really interested in following this thread and hope you will continue to post as your build progresses.
I believe you mentioned using a timing belt (notched belt) drive down to the rotor and that's probably a good idea assuming it can handle the torque. (Might have to find your friendly Harley Davidson dealer near you-Harley Rake/Harley Bike) Too bad a guy couldn't use a heavy poly V-belt and have it act as the slip clutch also to save cost.
The interesting thing about designing and building for your own use is that you can be a lot more flexible in the design making improvements "on the fly". (Not to mention the incentive to make it cost effectively)