I was thinking if I cannot buy them that I would have to make them. Maybe from stainless tube? it should be strong enough (I've seen some with brass rings). I'm just not sure what size.
Ebay has some listings of stainless tube in 3/4, 7/8, 1", 1.25, 1.5... A little pricey for just one chisel ring, but if the tube gets sliced up into a bunch of rings maybe the cost can be made up for...
When you grip a chisel such as this, does your hand typically stay on the wood, or does your pinkie or bottom two fingers wrap around the socket itself?
How much of the handle protrudes above your hand typically? I'm sure you don't want it too close to where you'll be hitting with the mallet.
Tom, I'll keep the bushing in mind next time I'm at Farm and Fleet.