Pros and Cons of Platter Mass

Looks like my physics class paid off. I thought there might be more implications of platter mass than I initially theorized with before starting this thread, although Frogman's (great moniker) comment on aliveness and resonance was new to me. And due to the number of low mass turntables, I also thought the responses would have been a little less one-sided. I am immaturely happy with the responses as my TT is a high mass design (and less expensive than many low mass ones). Thank you everyone.

with heavy platter (or added weight stabilzer) does it really stress the motor or just negligible..
i have slj2 and normally add weight, i think it improve sound, but maybe stressfull to motor.  thanks.

From my investigations undertaken of how a increased Platter Weight can impact on a TT that is not supplied with a Heavy Platter.                      I have learnt that the Thrust Pad can show signs of increased wear after a lesser period than anticipated, where inspection of the part has shown noticeable indentation occurring from the Point Loading.
There are harder Thrust Pad Materials that will alleviate this condition and offer improved performance and longevity of use.
There is also the condition that can be impacted on where a Spindle can have a eccentric rotation and the addition of Platter weight can cause an increase to the force from the Spindle when coming into contact with the Bearing Bush.
A Hydrodynamic condition for the lubrication may prevent the Spindle/Bush coming into contact. From my investigations of certain vintage TT's there is not much evidence to show the Bearing / Bush interface had successfully maintained a Hydrodynamic Interface, there was possibly not a design from the outset to produce the interface.

The reports of increasing the Mass/weight of the Platter are usually seen with a positive appraisal where there are perceptions that a improvement is present in relation to noise reduction.

I have not seen measurements that will show changes that are able to to support such modifications, the usual, is that there is a trend and the individuals carrying out the mod's are collective in their positive appraisal.   

In my opinion, the platter, spindle, and bearing with or without thrust pad form a closed system in the sense that they are carefully engineered to work well together in a well designed turntable. Therefore I would be loathe to do anything to dramatically alter platter mass or the materials used at the bearing/thrust pad interface, or even the lubricant, without considering the effects on the other constituents of the closed system.

I would be loathe to do anything to dramatically alter platter mass or the materials used at the bearing/thrust pad interface, or even the lubricant, without conside   ring the effects on the other constituents of the closed system.

I wish more folk would heed this sage advice.

I have seen a number of Garrard 301/401 TT's with aftermarket thrustpads/balls that have damaged/worn the spindle.
I have seen many TT's with accelerated bearing wear from using "better" oil.