Will a record weight harm the motor in a direct drive turntable?

VPI are one of a few who are informing on the accuracy of the machining of the Critical Interface Parts that are Sacrificial within the Bearing Housing.

The Classic 3 SE Sig Model owner has the knowledge direct from the Manufacturer that there is a need to put measures in place for an annual Bearing Service, where new lubrication is a basic step to occur. The Good news is there is guidance available in other locations to show how to achieve the VPI direction for the service. The are also today other non VPI suggestions to be found to improve on the Bearing Coefficient of Friction to create a reduced drag when it is rotating.   

The Classic 3 SE Sig Model owner has the knowledge direct from the Manufacturer that to be able to check the condition of the Bearing for signs of Wear, the TT has been supplied with a dimension tolerance for machining of the Sacrificial Parts at the critical interfaces that results with the following as the Supplied TT's Tolerance:

 Platter run-out - +/- .001 inch in 39” circumference as measured on the table 

Such information is a very handy guide to help the TT owner keep track on how the TT is holding out as a True Axis of rotation over time.

Nice info but in practice, their measurements don’t corelate with my personal experience in SQ.

Platter run-out - +/- .001 inch is not a bad place to be when talking solely about the Stylus Interface within the LP Groove.

Additionally, the Vertical Axis is likely to be changing in conjunction with the Platter Run Out if the Run Dimension starts to increase.

Changes to the Vertical Axis is the one to show a concern about as this is where the noise is to be produced, and where a proportion of noise produced will be on route to the Stylus when in contact with the Groove.

As earlier stated by a TT owner " The goal, IMO, is to isolate the lp as much as possible from the bearing. "   

The vast majority of us is not going to know there is a problem with runout or the bearing unless or until he can see or hear a problem.  But yes, it is nice to know that VPI is paying attention to bearing accuracy in manufacture. At least one can be confident that a new TT starts out with excellent machining.