What I don't get is how a fixed spindle without a ball race at the bottom would even work - I can see that lubricant would keep it moving smoothly for a while, but wouldn't the lubricant be driven out over time (and I would assume a very short time)? Then the thing would seize. And if the spindle isn't tapered, the bottom would be rubbing along, providing all the rumble you could possibly want.
I've seen very cheap inverted spindle tables (I think I worked on one of the entry level ATs from China that had such), but at least they have (what is essentially) a single point bearing, so the platter isn't falling down and squeezing the lubricant out.
I've seen very cheap inverted spindle tables (I think I worked on one of the entry level ATs from China that had such), but at least they have (what is essentially) a single point bearing, so the platter isn't falling down and squeezing the lubricant out.
