I've purchased a set of 3/4 in OD aluminum rods and a set of 3/4 in ID linear bearings to mount on those rods. As luck would have it, they're both within tolerances, but the rod is slightly too thick - .753 inches according to the calipers. The bearing can be pushed onto the rod, but it won't move without hitting it with a mallet. To be honest, it probably can be put on the rod due to the softness of the aluminum (I do see some scratches left after removing it).
Question - How can I reduce the diameter of the rods to enable the bearings to slide appropriately? I don't own a metal lathe. In addition, I asked a maker space with a metal lathe about this use case and was told that using the lathe to reduce the diameter:
"would be a 0.0015” cut and the surface finish would probably not be appropriate for a guide rod. Typically this would be done by precision grinding"
1. Is precision grinding the right method? If so, how would I go about doing so accurately? What tools do I need?
2. What surface finish do I need for a linear bearing to function properly? Why can't a lathe provide this?
My background is more in woodworking, so this is a new arena for me.
Thanks!
Scott