Out of interest is your microscope the same model as these?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183994546116
and if anyones wondering, yes much like the trinocular scopes above, these two binocular microscopes, aswell as the ones from China are all identical and use the same head and optics, with the only difference being a few subtle differences to the base/stand between the distributors
Many years ago I had the Swift version, it had metal shaving dust in the eyepeices (so much for that quality control I mentioned) but I had the same issue of space and zoom ability…but as it uses a non typical objective lens and the price to swap it wouldn’t of made sense… I just returned the scope for a refund and got the trinocular from China instead which uses standard fitting lenses, and it actually worked out cheaper
Haha good call, If you’ve got the tools, then just need a chunk of steel and a couple of holes drilled in it and then press the bearings in, shouldn’t take more than 15 mins 
I might have to wait until I get a decent drill press… I’m not sure I can drill such a large diameter hole straight and true freehand… I suppose I could 3D print them instead but I’m not sure it will be strong enough or as sturdy as steel