did this a while back with a chunk of steel and a drill press, and a file. before i got my lathe. threaded and jb welded. tapped and bolted handle to bolt, then powdercoated it..
We used to know a guy who did all his bolt knobs with a bench grinder, a draw file, and die. Did super work too, even blended knobs. The right tools for the job have and always will be patience and skill. Fancy machines just make it easier for the rest of us.