For Kate's Bullseye Apollo kits:
I started by purchasing a set of step drills from Rick Herrell so I can easily make the steps the right depth and they are perfectly concentric as well. Cost was $52 including shipping. (I think Rick usually even has a few in stock).
The mandrels from Bullseye have have a 3/8 shaft, so even though one would have sufficed, I bought two 3/8 to MT2 Tool Holders that use a 3/8-16 drawbar to hold them. Since they weren't that expensive, I bought two ($29) so I could just leave the mandrel in the MT2 holder all of the time. I got them from a place called "All Industrail Tool Supply" (store on eBay).
So, aside from the kits, blanks, and actual mandrels, I have just over $80 dollars in extra support tooling, and a dedicated setup that makes things very convenient and more consistent.
Regards,
Dave
PS I haven't made the leap to full kitless yet. First of all, I really haven't decided whether or not I like the kitless look. I would definitely need to add a roll stop or preferably a clip to anything I make. The cost of triple start taps and dies is a little prohibitive for me right now. Also, since I don't make pens for sale at least at this point, I prefer the rollerball (with a Gel ink refill) over a fountain pen. But that's just me and my own personal preference.