Wheel spacers

Making your own spacer isn't a "dumb idea" as long as you do it right.

I don't personally like using plain spacers if they're going to be thicker than a 1/4", although they generally make plain spacers up to about a 1/2" thick. By plain I mean the kind that just slide over the studs and would require longer studs.

For bolt on spacers, the off-road types use spacers up to around 3" thick, so 1-3/4" wouldn't be a huge deal. Typically they're made out of 6061 aluminum. Remember that just like aluminum rims, you're supposed to check the torque after 100 miles or so and that means checking BOTH sets of lug nuts, so, you have to remove the wheel. If you torque to spec and check the torque as required you'll be fine.

As far as making them, you can usually buy 1.5" spacers in the $50-$70 ballpark. So, even though you may be able to make them yourself, at that price it may not be worth your time to set up your machines to do it...
2X 5x4.5 5x114.3 Wheel Spacers 1.5" Fits Ford Ranger Mustang Explorer 1/2" Studs | eBay