I would try thrift shops and estate sales, looking for likely bits of metal.? I found a 3/4" inch thick by 6" diameter cast iron disc that once lived in the bottom of a lamp.? Probably going to be a mount for a 4 jaw chuck.? I found a pair of 5 pound one piece cast iron dumbells.? about 2 1/2 inch hex by 1 3/4 inch thick weights with a bit over one inch iron rod between.?? One end of one dumbell will be an ER16 collet chuck for an Emco compact 5 lathe.? Part of the handle will be a collet chuck for a little Taig lathe.? Not sure what what will become,? but they were less that? $8 for the pair.?? If you cant find thick enough metal for your block you could stack something thinner.
