Homebrew PCBs

Hello group,
    Has anyone here thought about building or even built a drum 
photoplotter based on a red LED laser diode ?  This would be used for 
making printing masks, et. There has been much discussion among amateurs 
on building a CNC mill/drill machines, however I am under the impression 
that this is definitely  NOT an task for the beginner, even if he/she 
has access the right tools. A drum photoplotter appears simpler in 
construction as there is only 1 axis required to position the light 
head. Basically the drum plotter works by rotating a relatively large 
drum with a film sensitive to red light (available from Kodak) 
positioned around the outside of the drum. The drum spins at fairly high 
speed (> 10 rev/sec) and the light source (red LED laser diode and 
focusing lens) slowly and accurately moves along the length of the drum 
in a straight line. The spinning drum sounds relatively simple to build. 
The moving light source looks a lot more complicated / expensive. My 
only thoughts how to go about this is to use a ball bearing screw and 
linear bearing. I priced some  ready to go ball screw guided assemblies 
but the costs were prohibitive. Is there no other option ? I own a drill 
press and a small lathe in my workshop. I am open to all comments.