yes, a tube would be more stable. It needs 2 additional pillow blocks spaced out from the center of that rod to stabilize it (the back rod as well). There is such a large span, that even a tube would flex to an undesirable amount. I don't foresee me doing another build. There are so many additional little things that need to be modified, I think my money would be better off invested into a machining center. Most of my projects involve metal cutting. Machinist by trade, wood worker by hobby. Anything thats metal is a real pain to do with a router spindle. I'm limited to aluminum cutting, really. The tolerances I need for my metal projects simply cannot be achieved with a homemade machine. Not within a reasonable dollar amount, anyhow. It cuts wood really good, and it's a great machine for that, without doing any type of modifications. Couldn't be happier if that was all that I used it for. As far as jobs go, I plan on building some cabinets/counters. A black cherry computer desk might find its way here one day. So many projects I have planned, and I will most likely never get around to doing 1/4 of them.