wrote:

I am thinking now that the bushed round rod ways of a machine tool
could be driven, overcoming stiction.

This sounds like a good idea!
Be aware that you are probably trading in for a new disadvantage: if the
rod has lengthwise backlash.

Nick
--
WDR Fernsehen:
"Ein Computer arbeitet so lange Befehle ab,
bis keine mehr vorhanden sind."
Muss ich die dann irgendwie nachfüllen?