I suspect you underestimated the degree of corrosion on the platter. I did get it removed using two 4" M3 screws. It would move up 1/9" or so and stop. I took some very low tech pine shims and worked them in to three places around the platter. Using vice grips on the screws we slowly pulled up and slowly worked the shims in further. At a certain point in came free. I sanded with 320 grit, then slowly up through 4000, then changing to different grades of polishing compounds. Up and running, bearing seems fine, no noise with a stethoscope, just need to figure out what platter mat as it's quite sensitive to different ones. I'm intrigued by the CU-180 copper mat they made but it's big bucks to experiment with. Don't see a way to post a pic...
Micro-Seiki RX-5000 platter question
One of my long term customers passed away and left me his RX-5000. It hasn't been played in 15 plus years but bearing turns fine, motor runs fine and no audible bearing noise when listening with a stethoscope. It needs a lot of TLC in terms of the platter having years of grunge on it. There are two holes and you are supposed to screw the two screws of the supplied handle into it in order to lift the very heavy platter up. There is almost no clearance between the bottom of the platter and the plinth. Does anyone know what screws are needed to thred into those holes? I'm sure they'r emetric but need to get it off to clean thoroughly. Thanks