I'm thinking of trying to use fluid dampened ball bearings for a manual dob instead of teflon/formica. I would like to achieve smoothly dampened motion without much difference between the static and dynamic coefficient of friction (i.e. almost equal force to start and maintain motion), much like a good quality video fluid head.
The general idea is to use 4 ball bearings, but add a drag device on each, much like a motorcycle wet multi plate clutch on each one, about the same OD as the bearing itself (roughly 3/4")
Has anyone tried this or have any thoughts?
Thanks!