that shaft can be straightened if you want to
just tap it with a hammer on a flat metal surface
with a light shining behind it you'll see the bent part
as the light will go through. since ive learned that
process i've never bought another shaft again.

except when i strip the gears then its done.
wont take you more than 5 min to do that for sure.

but it wont hurt to buy one now and save that just in case you fee like
trying it.

looks like you have a nice project going and we expect to see pics
when its done!! lol.....