So my son; not really my son, but he thinks he is when he needs something, requested that I make him 2 croquet sets, because the junky ones you buy at target or Wally World fall apart the first time they are used. When my wife heard the request, she demanded one too. I will be making them out of ash.The problem I'm running into, is that I want to put 2.5 inch X .5 inch ferrules on the ends of the heads to keep the heads from mushrooming at the end when they are used. I can't find anything affordable to use. I was going to use 2.5 inch copper pipe too make the ferrules. I about died when I saw the cost. They are also a bit small, because apparently, defying convention, copper pipe is measured by outer diameter. Then I thought I could use 2.5 inch copper pipe end caps. They would be the right size, but are still very expensive. I need 36 of them. Brass is at least as expensive. I have even considered brass or steel rings. They are more affordable, but I don't think they would be as effective. Does anyone have any Ideas for making ferrules that won't break the bank? Also, where would I get them? Maybe a better Idea than the ferrules? TIA,