Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

Thanks, that is what I thought.  The motor then has the same issue with noise/friction, albeit attenuated by the isolation provided by the belt.  The New Way bushing looks like it provides effective isolation of the shaft from the bore in the bushing itself, but, does it, or something else provide for levitation of the platter (no thrust bearing at the bottom of the shaft)? 

Also, what do you use to pressurize the bearing?

I applaud DIY efforts to to build something new, or improve upon an existing design.  

What New Way calls a thrust bushing provides an air cushion in 3 dimensions, i.e. the thrust bushing provides levitation as well.

I use an Italian compressor from Silentaire, oil technology, and heroic filtration. I'm thinking of upgrading to Juno, but so many calls on less money these days.

@larryi , 63 psi.

Larry, that's part number   C303202 .

Tom, I liked your list of 16 yes or no alternative preferences. I calculate that makes for 65536 choices in turntables. (2E16)