anyone with experience of the "CD lathe"

...Surely manufacturers would try to deal with this problem if it were real>>>> I believe Krell used green led's in a transport of theirs at one time. My Wadia transport also uses green on the clamping mechanism. Seems the problem is real...

I read about it and thought that it sounded like a really bad idea. This is because it might cause your CD to rot.

As you know, CD's have a thin aluminum layer sandwiched between a plastic layer and a layer of lacquer. In the early days, the aluminum layer went all the way out to the edge of the CD. This layer would be exposed to air, causing the aluminum to oxidize.

Read more about it here:

http://cdrot.com/info/why-are-cd-rotting-how-it-happens

Amfibius, I think cd rot is an urban myth despite the webpage you list. I have several cds bought in England before they were available in the US. No evidence of any problem in any cd of the 4000 I have. There are also statements on some cds saying to not use liquid cleaners. I have always ignored them and never had any problem.