So, having read the background on the Fox AX gravel fork (it’s a cutdown Fox 32, to a degree https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/04/19/fox-32-step-cast-ax-gravel-adventure-suspension-fork-launches-experiment/) has anyone pondered making a home rolled version by taking a 27.5 mtb fork and cutting down the fork legs or am I blissfully ignorant in what that would actually involve?!

Sounds like it’s a parts bin fork with lots of spacers to tune the spring rate. Don’t think there is any real cutting involved.

On air forks that have the chamber equalization dimple/port inside the fork leg (“solo air”) you need to shorten the air piston shaft in order to reduce the travel.

May as well just get an xc hardtail.