[Doorbell]

I have a Rega RP1 and I was wondering if anybody knows if it's safe to use this record clamp/weight with my turntable
 
http://www.needledoctor.com/Rek-O-Kut-Disc-Stabilizer-Clamp
 
I don't notice any speed issues when I do use the clamp/weight but I've read that some clamps are bad for the bearings or something like that.
 
I'm still pretty new to this so any help would be appreciative.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. A record clamp slightly increases the weight on a bearing, but the effects are probably overstated. Further, a new bearing only costs $10-$20 or so. If it wears out a little early, no big deal.

My deck has a clamp and I'm very happy with it. The clamp gets the record nicely flat, so the tradeoff is worth it to me.

 

[Doorbell]

What exactly is the bearing? I know it sounds like a dumb question but i'm still pretty new to this.

 

[Uncle Erik]

The bearing is a ball bearing that the subplatter rests on, suspended in oil. If it gets too much wear, the bearing develops a flat spot. A flat spot can take years to develop, though. Any machine shop can get you a new bearing. It isn't terribly expensive. With normal wear and regular oil changes, a bearing can last for decades.