You start with a stainless bolt with the appropriate thread. Drill it to the desired ID. Then turn the head to match your other fittings. The stainless polishes nice and stays nice. Single pointing on a lathe is a PITA if you don't do it regularly, so if I can make something out of a bolt rather than bar stock, I am that much further ahead.
Of course, things that that are always better to purchase than make, if what you want is available.
Anyway, just saying... With your abilities and projects, I'm suprised you don't have a lathe.
Cheers,
Joe
