Another thought, based on experience with my VPI 16.5 ...
The VPI uses a geared transmission to turn the platter, and a good thing it does, because when you really need to apply a little pressure to the brushes it does indeed strain the turning of the platter. You might want to include a clamp on yours that will allow you to hand turn the platter when you need to, or to at least hold it still while you run the brush back and forth over a really dirty record surface.
Lookin good though, and plenty of top space to hold the ancillary equipment and such.