Here are some photos of the disassembled RA base
of the LX 200. The photos should be self explanatory. Notice
that the two parts have to be driven apart by tapping them so that the
bearings let go of one piece. The tapered center piece is held to
the bottom part of the base with a second mounting plate turned in from
the bottom. It is not certain that the post will be exactly perpendicular
to the base. It looks like the bearings should be concentric since
the upper piece is made from one part and turned as one part. The
RA gear is very snugly mounted on the upper moving part and should be well
centered.
The RA base is quite well built, but it is not, in my opinion, large enough to hold a 12" scope. It is probably designed for an 8" scope and is probably satisfactory for that size and weight.
I hope these figures help LX owners better understand the design of the LX 200 base.