Kent, can you use this 3/8" round wool felt from McMaster?
https://www.mcmaster.com/#8767k24/=17raqlt
I'd be interested in seeing some comments on the pros and cons of the Scotch yoke vs connecting rod for a home shop reciprocating machine if anyone wants to share them. The Scotch yoke seems like it would be limited to slower frequency cycles, but it also seems like it could offer a lot of bearing area that could be very reliable with the right bearing bronze and mating sliding surface.
cheers,
Michael