Re: 131126 MMD.  If you are making (or remaking) the bearings yourself,
I'd suggest getting some lignum vitae.  It is one of the two or three
woods that are heavier than water and it is self-lubricating.  It was
used for bearings on the underwater shafts of very large boat
propellers.

Check wikipedia for more information, and check eBay for small pieces.
I also have some on hand here, and might be persuaded to try making a
single bearing to see if it works for you.

Bill Mackin
Hiawatha, IA