Building high-end 'tables cheap at Home Despot II

"But while we have you here Mosin, what would do (have you done) to redesign the Lenco bearing while keeping the original spindle and platter sleeve?"

Mario,

Although I did modify the bearing and spindle in the first turntable, I would not do it again. Rather, I would scrap them entirely (which I have done in this second turntable). In the first, I potted the bearing housing with an epoxy to prevent seepage of lubricant (making it quieter overall in the process), and I placed a hard stainless thrust pad over the existing one. Also, I replaced the steel ball with one of equal size, but made from silicon nitride. Next, I extended the length of the spindle, so I could layer the stock platter with a non-compliant Delrin top. Detail was increased an incredible amount. These modifications, however, changed the signature of the turntable measurably, and that goes to the crux of the entire issue because although I have a much better sounding turntable, is it a Lenco? The votes aren't in on that, yet.

Regards,
Win

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Mosin, I apologize; I am afraid that each of your responses engenders further questioning, and I am sure you don't want to play host on this thread. However (a big however), I am very interested to know more about what you did to improve on the Lenco bearing/spindle combination, as I agree that this is a weak link and that "a chain is no stronger than its weakest link". (1) How did you extend the spindle length? Did you make or have made an entirely new spindle? (2) Are you familiar with the bearing upgrade supplied by Joel and described on the Lenco Lovers site? Have you seen or tried that one? (3) Is the silicon nitride ball commercially available, or did you have that made as well? (4) Finally, when you say that your mods changed the performance "measurably", what measurements were made? Thanks, and I will not bug you further.

In the vein of taking a Lenco to its limits, while still holding on to its Swiss engineering essence (who am I to attempt an improvement on this great drivetrain), I’ve finally finished up on the Interstate l-75.
It incorporates high degrees idependant isolation/coupling to each system component in drawing off unwanted transmissions into the plinth. The tightrope of isolation versus coupling seems to have been successfully traversed because this is one, dead silent Lenco that provides an extremely high degree of intimate music retrieval and engagement. A lot of variables came into play all at once with this Lenco build, so it is near impossible to tell what effects each has on its playing success. Nevertheless, two stand out as paramount in importance – Jean Nantais’ tutelage in careful maintenance and resurrection of Lenco components to be sunk into the sandwich recipe of a solid mass constrained plinth. And Peter Rheinder’s custom designed topplate that allowed the sinking into that plinth to be a foolproof proposition.

At some point, I’ll try and tidy up my System room and update it with pictures. In the meantime, anyone who is interested can see the finished Interstate here:
http://www.lenco-lovers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1870

And the making of it here:
http://www.lenco-lovers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1517

All best,
Mario

Mario,
Very nice. Congratulations!

Spectacular!!!!
I am sure it sound as good as it looks.
And thanks for sharing your project with the rest of us here and on Lencolovers forum.
P.S
I am placing order with Peter for 2 plates (Sm,& Med)
Do you think it is within my skills - I am a rookie, still working on my first Lenco.

Cheers
Mariusz