Protractors and construction quality

Posted by M3 lover (A) on January 31, 2025 at 09:39:50

In Reply to: Mirrored Protractor posted by sisterray on January 29, 2025 at 16:58:10:

sisterray, as you may know, many different style devices are available for cartridge alignment. But regardless of the method I think it comes down to the precision of construction.

When you consider the size of the stylus tip you can appreciate how important precision can be when you're trying to replicate the position of the original cutter stylus.

Regarding beach cruiser's reference to the DB, I had one several years ago. But on close inspection I discovered the printed screening on the clear plastic was not registered with the spindle hole in the overlay. I got rid of that one.

Years ago I used various 2-point protractors. Then after reading positive reviews I bought a metal Dennesen Soundtracktor. That is a single point positional device based on the Baerwald math of the 2-point devices. It adjusts for the specific length of a given arm so quite adaptable. Later versions offered by Wally and Feikert, and possibly others, may provide some improvements and alternative alignments, but I've found the Dennesen to be adequate for my needs. That has provided sonic improvements when correcting alignments done with other protractors in my own and friend's systems. The caveat is the pivot point for the arm must be absolutely identified from the top side of the arm since that serves as the precision starting point. Without that other alignment devices will likely be better.

A plastic version of the Dennesen was also offered, but I don't know if that provides the same precision as the metal one?

So my basic point is to be very careful with the precision of any device utilized for alignment.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Mirrored Protractor - sisterray 16:58:10 01/29/25 (12)

RE: Mirrored Protractor - SgreenP@MSN.com 08:00:17 02/01/25 (0)

I also use the mirror protractor from Turntable Lab, and I use a laser - alaskahiatt 23:31:28 01/31/25 (0)

Protractors and construction quality - M3 lover 09:39:50 01/31/25 (0)

I have used some, and of course the Wallytractor is the best...nt - Steve Parry 09:34:39 01/30/25 (7)

+1..nt - gadio4533 06:14:52 02/05/25 (0)

RE: I have used some, and of course the Wallytractor is the best...nt - beach cruiser 15:06:49 01/30/25 (5)

What makes the Wallytractor and Mint Protractors Better - M3Man 17:33:22 02/18/25 (0)

RE: I have used some, and of course the Wallytractor is the best...nt - flood2 16:59:36 01/30/25 (3)

with all respect to the late wally, simple tool making is not a unique skill - beach cruiser 20:22:39 01/30/25 (2)

RE: with all respect to the late wally, simple tool making is not a unique skill - flood2 23:00:17 01/30/25 (1)

RE: with all respect to the late wally, simple tool making is not a unique skill - beach cruiser 06:35:01 02/01/25 (0)

RE: Mirrored Protractor - flood2 19:38:46 01/29/25 (0)

Follow Ups

Protractors and construction quality - M3 lover 09:39:50 01/31/25 (0)

Protractors and construction quality

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