[Jesse Z]

For the lower bearing I have used UHMW plastic. It's easy to work with and is often used for industrial bearings. It can be held in place with set screws or bolts. To connect the shaft you can have a machine shop cut it down to a double D configuration and have your choice of numerous commercially available u-joints, connectors and accessories. Or you can get a U-joint with a round bore and drill a bolt or pin through it and the shaft as a safety.