[doctorwho42]

It really comes down to the fact that gear shaping/cutting machines are quite specialized machines. Therefore demand a higher cost to buy (machines cost) and setup (tooling cost).

For example a single gear shaper cutter is on average $700-$1000, and that's for a pretty standard and brand new cutter.

So without taking into account actual time to set up the machine, program it, and feed it material. You are already having a high overhead. So the only real way to deal with that cost is in volume or cost.

But when looking at the hobby market, volume is out of the question (who wants to buy >1000 of one gear for a personal project) and cost is out of the question ( if it's so expensive, I might as well 3D print or laser cut or waterjet some)

So it's an odd market to get into.

[Steltek]

If you watch enough tool teardowns (AvE, etc), most gears are sintered metal or plastic. I'm sure large industrial applications use machined gears but it looks like consumer-prosumer space goes for much cheaper fare.

[airbreather]

aliexpress is a goldmine, example of some small stuff with metal gears, very good manufacturing tolerances

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004936458606.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004830455177.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001110546573.html

[conductr]

As FYI, on many of these you can get on Amazon/Ebay. You'll pay a buck or two extra but get it the next day.

[abakker]

standard gear cutting arbors aren't that expensive, but are often for standard module gears and the gear form is an approximation that applies to a given range of gears.

e.g. https://www.amazon.com/EVNSIX-Involute-Cutters-Milling-Machi...

[dsfyu404ed]

The "frequently bought together" set there is a surprisingly good combo for an algorithmic pick.