Building high-end 'tables cheap at Home Despot II

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

Hi Oregon and Marius,

Thanks so much for the kind words.

Marius,
Sight unseen (I've got a new order in for a small, as well), I still think that the Lenco plinth build with the PCTP Mk II will be considerably easier than a build with the original Lenco top plate.

The second version comes with custom machined motor mounts and all fittings holes will be pre-tapped. Construction of the plinth layers will be vastly simpler because each layer gets the same size cut-out for just the motor hole.

If one sticks with Peter's designed speed lock system for 33rpm & 45 rpm (as opposed to my "I want it all" custom speed channel), this should fall into a "beginner's level" wood project.

All best,
- Mario