Axial bearing

[Morrisman]

If I was paying for it myself . . . as has been suggested, tube in a tube, smother in grease so it doesn't seize from rust. Make mental note to regrease every year. In ten years apply angle grinder to free it up and regrease.

Same here, steel tube inside a steel tube, couple of grease nipples, a flange to take the weight, and pin through the bottom so it can't fly out in windy situations.

You could even add a return to the edge of the flange on the top tube so water runs over the outside rather than works its way down between the tubes. Like they have on motorcycle steering head top bearings.

 

[8ob]

Doesn't get much simpler than this.

 

[knighty]

I'd look for a scrap back axle and chop it down

acle goes down, top park is fitted to break disk/drum

 

[Morrisman]

I'd look for a scrap back axle and chop it down

acle goes down, top park is fitted to break disk/drum

He plans to make several hundred of them.

 

[Brad93]

You could use a pair of opposed angular contact bearings or a beefy double angular contact.

A oilite bronze or plastic sleeve in a tube would suffice though. low maintenance.