For my sliding links, I decided to use linear bearings of pillow blocks to slide on 1/4" copper pipes. I used the horizontal band saw to cut the pipe and the lathe to drill holes into copper end caps. By bolting the end caps to an angle mount, I was able to secure the pipe and slider to the 14 inch link.
The other slider was grounded with the end caps drilled into plywood and had the "smasher" connected to the sliding link.
For my links, I laser cut them from wood and 3D printed a handle to turn the input link.