What adhesive is used to re-tip a cartridge?

Just a quick conclusion to note that the attempt at rebonding the cantilever back into its pipe appears to have been a success.

At first I tried the Loctite. But after a 4 hour period it hadn't set up yet and I noticed that the stylus wasn't holding alignment. So I switched over to superglue. The superglue set up quickly and held the cantilever/stylus in good alignment during its curing.

Here are some photos of the before and after:
before:
http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/cartridges/Shelter/crookedshelter_2.JPG

after:
http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/cartridges/Shelter/reglueshelter_1.JPG

link to page with more photos:
scroll down page to find the Shelter.
http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge_gallery.htm

-Steve

Why do this? How do you know that the superglue, loctite, or anything else tried, didn't mess with the other materials in that area? I realize the 501 isn't all that great, but this probably detracts even more from its value. No?

"Why do this? How do you know that the superglue, loctite, or anything else tried, didn't mess with the other materials in that area? I realize the 501 isn't all that great, but this probably detracts even more from its value. No?"

What I should have conveyed is that I have previously conferred with Peter Ledermann about repairing the Shelter. This was back when the problem was first discovered, a little over a year ago. At that time, his take on the Shelters is that these are not all that much fun to disassemble, if one needs to remove the aluminum body, that is. I've heard from others that have had SS re-tips on this cartridge that the ruby cantilever does alter some of the character of the Shelter sound.

My take:
There is not much to lose. It has plenty of hours on it and I'm not going to attempt to sell this thing. I'll just play it til it finally dies. Currently, it seems to be playing and sounding just like its old self.

With regard to the qualities of the 501-II. I'd probably disagree with your assessment of the cartridges' inherent sonic character. I like what it does and the way it does it. That is why I've gone to this much trouble to put it back into my working line up.

That said, it is certainly no A-90 (which I've recently heard in another system). But then it doesn't try to be. It has certain sonic attributes which I value and want to hear.

-Steve

Steve, thanks for filling in the blanks. Kind of makes the thread title a rhetorical question. ;-)

I understand what you are saying about the ruby cantilever. Peter repaired my XV-1s a few years back. I agree that it does alter the sound, however for me it still allows the character of the cartridge to come through. Anyway, I understand now that you did your homework. Thank you for posting what you learned and experienced.

If I could choose my words again I believe I would have said "I realize the 501 is not that valuable used," etc. I do think the 501 is a better value than the 901. I like the 103r myself for a solid back up cart.