OK 6mm birch ply or whatever I find @ Wickes tomorrow! What oil do you recommend for the bearing, and finally is it worth using anything else other than a felt mat? The Alphason is now properly mounted, I messed around last night and fitted it. I'll probably lightly polish the spindle and inner platter, maybe polish the outer platter as well. Aseathetically the black base could do with a fresh lick of black paint and I may lightly sand and varnish the veneer, I may lightly wax it, I'm not decided yet.