Quite right, Michael, caveat emptor.
My starting point is that hobby machinery is unlikely to be of rigidity, accuracy, and quality equal to proper industrial machinery. Nor are most of us likely to have precision grinding facilities to match commercial products.
Yes, I have made tapers that match the the equivalent part, but mostly when I have no alternative, such a Jarno taper. Making ER clamp nuts is not my hobby, I prefer to spend my time producing the mating part that is going to be unique to my workshop / tool.
Yes, I cut gears, that I could buy. probably because I am too tight fisted, and relish the challenge. Just like those who enjoy making Morse tapers. 16 degrees included angles I can manage, 2 degrees 52 minutes for a 2 MT is too much bother for me.
We all have different desires for our hobby. Each to their own, and full credit to those who produce high precision work on what are fairly humble machines.
Fortunately we do not have to make our living by making thousands of identical items That is a job, not a hobby and leisure activity. Most of us have those days behind us, or do not wish to participate in such activity..
Howard
fat fingers again!
Edited By Howard Lewis on 11/07/2019 16:15:36