I have used wooden push rods with great success. I usually add as little metal rod as possible at the end to keep it stiff.

For the split elevator push rods I drill a hole in the wooden rod. I then make "L" bends in the rods and stick them in with a touch of glue and wrap string tightly around the whole thing followed by a piece of heat shrink tubing. Then I go up about half an inch and wind some thin wire around the two rods. I then heat the wire and rod and wick some solder in.

PS: The Kaos was a GREAT choice! Have fun!