That is a pretty cool Idea...
I did the brass tip screws on the spider thing which works well because it’s a soft / sticky (holds well) contact point with the barrel, and am using aluminum shims on the chuck side.
I’m been experimenting with pivotal surfaces but the softer metal is not condusive (it will pass metal plasticity and dis form) to maintaining a pivotal joint.
HOWEVER... if I took your approach and created a soft surface between your pivot and the barrel - say by putting in an permanent aluminum shim ..by creating a small dovetail like channel on the flat of your drill rod, and then insert the shim and stake the ends... I would have the best of both worlds.
A strong pivotal surface that is hard, and a nice soft sticky barrel contact... NICE...
Thanks for sharing that...
