I have cut PVC on my miter saw several times…I do not recommend it, I am very lucky not have 2 hands/10 fingers. If you go too fast, the blade grabs the PVC and when it is me vs a saw I always lose.
My basic band saw from Menards (Rikon) works great on PVC and my fingers feel safe and secure.
I’d think about building a jig and using a jigsaw. You might get by with putting a piece of wood down the middle and clamping it to your work bench and cutting it free hand if you don’t need a perfect cut.
I’m on the Woodsmith store mailing list and they just put up a video on building a workbench. Even if you don’t need a workbench there are a number of tips and techniques that you might find useful.
I have had better luck putting the painters tape on the edge of what Im cutting. When I have done the tape trick the tape always seems to fall off.
YMMV
Heatshrink over the bearing might work well, never tried that.
Also dump the 1/4" flush trim bits. Use at least a big 3/4" diameter bit. It’ll have a bigger bearing that’s also thicker.
If you have to use a 1/4", find a dual bearing one.
