Hi Richard
One option for the altitude bearings I have used is the plastic strapping you see in Bunnings for wrapping bundles of timber. It is a little more slippery than ebony star but gives a very smooth motion and it's free.
I get my laminate from a place near me that sells offcuts. I was able to get ebony star that way. I noticed that there is this place in Sydney advertising on eBay which appears to be similar:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-AU
Whatever azimuth laminate you use, I find polishing it with silicone based car polish improves motion significantly. I don't usually find it necessary for the altitude bearings.
Rod