[Zephrant]

The local shop that can order me 3/4" steel shaft wants an extra $200 per 12' to have it pre-drilled every 6" with 10-32 blind holes. Since the shaft is only $97 undrilled, I'm looking for cheaper options. The shaft is Rockewell 50-55C (AISI 1566 steel), similar to McMaster-Carr pp 898.

A local machine shop claims that it is too hard for them, and suggested an EDM tapping setup.

Any other suggestions for getting it drilled? This is so I can mount it with a continuous support block behind it, for the X axis of a gantry setup. I'll be using open pillow blocks, probably synthetic lined (instead of ball bearings).

Thanks-

Zeph