DIY Valve Spring tool

[tparker]

Hi All,
Im trying to save a few bucks ($100+) and make a valve spring tool like the following

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-5324?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzGNlfURJPYiyuTEHEjQwvlVzW4tOqJM9rI9Pw4uU8RRaHzp0cm5zRoC4nEQAvD_BwE

I've tried the cheap valve spring compression tool with the hooks and spinner, but they are poorly designed. I couldn't get the jaws to grip without slipping off. I also followed a guys advice on Youtube that suggested bending the edge so it is angled. Mine broke while doing it.  I tried a couple brilliant ideas but they didn't work as well as in my head.  So I would like to make a similar tool to the one above. I just need a 7/8 I/D tube that I can weld a handle and a little tang on to and I should be good to go. But I am find it hard to find a 7/8 steel tube. I can find, copper, aluminum, polymere, even stainless steel I think. I tried a iron pipe tee, but it was too fat and hit the spring. 

Anyone know where I can source something locally like this that is steel that I can weld with a mig?
Looks similar to
https://www.grainger.com/product/2MTG9?ef_id=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76p_brVQnLXCr4bt0hF5NEm3LzBxUaKJpQ163z_yh2oPlKm_axXm2xCBoCUGAQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!264955916357!!!g!439847800238!&gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gclid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76p_brVQnLXCr4bt0hF5NEm3LzBxUaKJpQ163z_yh2oPlKm_axXm2xCBoCUGAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Bullitt-]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Climax-7-8-in-Bore-Zinc-Plated-Mild-Steel-Set-Screw-Collar-C-087/203025036

[71vert340]

 Try McMaster Carr. They have alot of tubing/pipe. https://www.mcmaster.com/tubing/steel/id~7-8/
Terry W.

[MoparLeo]

Use an old rocker shaft . Should be lots of those around. Check with a local engine rebuilder for their scrap parts pile.

[tparker]

@Bullitt- Thanks, That might work, though I don't know about welding Zinc. Hopefully it is just a coating that I can grind off. And the price is right.

@71vert340 Thanks for the resource, that will come in handy for a bunch of stuff. A one foot section is $40, probably more than I would want to spend, but I'll poke around their site.

@MoparLeo Actually I am good with the shaft, I need something to go around the shaft. I was thinking of a rocker arm and modifying it, but I figured I could just get a small metal tube or sleeve but that turned out to be a little harder to find than I would have figured. LOL

[Brads70]

Do you know anyone with a lathe close by to you?

[tparker]

I don't know anyone with one, but we have machine shops I guess. Hopefully I won't have to go that route.