Precise pivot to spindle distance

Your (anyone's) printer is not accurate enough for printing a protractor. Get the Mint, and follow the directions closely. I know its not easy, and is tiresome, but just do it.

Quoted from the Vinyl Engine thread on the Hoffman downloadable protractor:

"For what it is worth:

I recently purchased a new turntable and the distributor aligned the cartridge (on a Michell TecnoArm - a highly modified Rega RB250) with the effective and very expensive Dr Fieckert device.

I printed off your new Stevenson 222mm protractor, and find that the cartridge is perfectly aligned with this. So I can be quite confident checking with your protractor at a saving of some $300.

Incidently, printing on mylar film for OHP transparencies is much superior to printing on paper."

Not a comparison with the Mint, but with the Feickert. I'm sure there are some comparisons/confirmations with the Mint as well. Accuracy can be confirmed following the printing. It is very accurate with any decent laser printer. And not particularly difficult or tiresome I might add. It's the easiest protractor that I've ever used.

clabe
thank you for your comments on my system(s). i bought the rx1500 new in the box in the mid '80s. it's been taken to a new level with the 8C.
my benz ebony does not seat perfectly parallel with the front of the headshell. i also have a benz H20 on a breuer 5C and it also sits a tiny bit skewed. they both are perfectly aligned according to the feikhert. i may print off the template from the link listed by HDM above, just for comparison.
don

Thanks all for your valuable support.
Hdm, you seem to have a broad experience from different protractors and good advice. So using Mint Protractor will automatically compensate. I´m glad to hear this and also that cartridge front doesn´t neccessary have to be parallell with headshell. My paranoia´s gone away and I saved $250. Think I´ll by a good bottle of Champagne instead.

Happy New Year!

Yes, Clabe. I'm sure you're fine as the Mint has an excellent reputation and is supposed to be an outstanding protractor. I was not really clear on your question initially and did not realize you had the Mint protractor, but now that I know your concerns, one thing that you could do to alleviate any fears you have:

If you know the alignment protocol that Yip has used on your Mint protractor (Stevenson, Baerwald (Lofgren A on Conrad's software) or Lofgren B) you could then essentially generate a protractor using Conrad Hoffman's generator with the same data (inner radius, null points, P to S, overhang etc.) and confirm your alignment. Chances are that is what will happen (although the Mint does have a reputation for being extremely precise) and you'll have even more peace of mind when you're enjoying that champagne!!!!