hmmmm. well guys... first of all 7/8 dom runs $110.00 for a 20ft stick(thats $5.50 or so a foot), left hand tap, (a good one) around $25.00. right hand tap, around $15-$20. time to cut to rough length,face and chamfer to finish length, drill, tap, chamfer i.d. clean out the cutting oil and chips, package, and ship about 45 minutes.
i own my own machine shop so i have the lathe to do these and they turn out really good. i also do this because i love these t-buckets so i make and build things for people who don't have the skills or machines to make stuff.
$10.00 worth of material?? try around $20.00 for a tie rod!! you just want the 45"? there is a "cut fee" of around the same thats why you buy the whole stick of 20 feet. 50 a hour!! come on over buddy , i will put you out in the shop.
for someone who doesn't want to mess with it, doesn't have the tools or skills, these are a deal!!!!
kenn