Welcome to MadModder!
Having gone the flex cable route, I agree with Jason, now. The bearings did not hold up well. I'm sure there are better brands than the no-name version I used, but frankly, I'm personally leaning toward making a Pott's spindle some day, of the version that (the non-youtube) Tubal Caine worked out using a moveable stanchion for the overhead pulley support. Fergus, step forward here.....