RE: I need help with Fox RC engine
Apprentice programs are still alive but the finished product for the last 30 or so years is a watered down version of the previous standard. BTW, "Master" Machinist is pretty much the old term for "Journeyman" or a graduated apprentice. (Time and abuse of terms tends to blur meanings) The Brown Court ruling established a ratio of Apprentice to "Master" machinists AFAIR.
Yes indeed they make small bore hones but I try to avoid them for bearing surfaces in many non-ferrous materials. Personal preference is for single point diamond boring.
However, when resources are limited we make do with what we have and that is the magic. I am sure Earl's rods worked and worked well.