When I was a kid my dad always had me grab every cam I saw whenever he bought a machine for $200-$500. We bought Greenfield Tap and Die's tool crib in the 90's when they moved and maybe bought out. We have only had 2 sets of cams made in 29 years and they were made outside New England (Chicago I think). I have a lot of phenolic cams for my "00" machines. I can cut them easy and alter them when needed.
Many jobs arent high enough quantities to justify saving a few seconds here and there on having cams made.
I just got (3) # 2 machines and I needed a cam made that I didnt have one close enough on the shelf for. I found
National Tool & Cam Co. ? Cutting Tools, Screw Machine Cams | Newington, CT He told me a lead cam for a #2 (9" cam) was like $269 cut and heat treat. I am sure its cheaper for smaller machines. He does Davenports too.
I have plenty of cross slide cams. I can always weld a tab and grind off what i dont need on lead cams. That has always worked up until I realized I waste way more than $300 in down time trying to alter my own cams and make them work. I am cheap though.
It would be nice to have each job with its own set of cams but that is why China took our work years ago. It was always too expensive to tool up.
I also think we spent $1200 on a set with lead and both x-slides for an "OG" (.750" cap). We have a pick off attachment with slotting saw as well. So this may be 1200 for 3-4 cams and maybe a few drills and taps. This job is 12L14 and will run 7-8 hours a day from monday till friday afternoon without sharpening tools.