I am really happy that the solution worked and appreciate knowing that you have succeeded in getting the TT up and running properly.

I, too, had the loss-of-bearing problem for many years and finally decided to take action.

It's interesting to note the the Lab-80 was the first TT (at least from Garrard) that used the slick-plastic Delrin in a trip-mechanism. It was used because it is light-weight and a low-friction material that would allow the trip action to work with minimal drag on the unit.

It was to your good fortune that you had access to the punch set. Cutting the washers out using the X-acto knife was not fun.

Let me know from time to time how the fix is working -- it should perform well for many years ...

Regards,

DanR.