Building high-end 'tables cheap at Home Despot II

I think the reason you can't use that hole is the weight and string won't be clear of the motor. There is a small area that you can be drilled so the string and weight clear the motor. And I think the new angel of pull is good, no problem with that.

The "theories" behind why it works is a more constant pull vs. the spring and we can achieve maximum torgue. It seems 1.5oz is enough but you could experiment with different amounts of weight within that range. Just use enough weight till you get max torque. You can feel with your finger that the platter gets pretty hard to stop when max torque is achieved. All that is thought to give better speed stability and helps the turntable deal with stylus drag. And also some think the "twangy" spring resonates more noise into the platter and or plinth.

I agree you want a smooth surface for the string to slide on so drilling the hole and fitting a rod with smooth top is the way to go.

Correction "angel" of pull should read "angle" of pull. My spelling is awful.

Trav, Don't you think there might be an "Angel of Pull"? And she has no doubt spoken to Jean.

That's it!!!
Angels are pulling our legs!

I don't think any angels are involved here, but it is possible someone is pulling are legs. I am surprised more people have not tried this yet, so simple to try. Maybe more did but couldn't hear any improvement and don't want to hurt the feelings of the folks who hear an improvement.

I am pretty sure I did hear an improvement but I was drinking the last couple times I played with my Lenco, it seems to sound better that way without any new tweaks. So my comments of hearing any improvements should be taken with a grain of salt, or something like that.