Hi Nikola,
Some more boring stuff...
There is an RIAA standard from 1963 (and subsequent later revisions and metrications) which gives the record hole size as 0.286", with a tolerance of +0.001" and -0.002". This means that the hole can be between 0.284 and 0.287 (7.214mm to 7.289mm).
Why should this be? It seems a strange size until you remember that the standard was established in the age of imperial sizes, and the nearest fractional size is 9/32" which is 0.281" (7.14mm). This would have been the nominal size for a spindle, and the records were made to fit neatly on a typical spindle, not vice versa.
If a spindle diameter had been within the range for hole size, the record will be a push fit or an interference fit. It won't drop on or lift off easily.
The spindle should probably ideally be 0.282 +0 and -0.002 (7.11mm to 7.18mm)
From a quick internet survey of measured spindles, typical modern spindle sizes are around 7.1 to 7.2mm ie 0.279" to 0.283". In other words 9/32" +/- 0.002", which might be expected.
So, with regard to protractors, these are small amounts and the effect on set up is minuscule regarding the position of the nulls if the error in position is in that direction - variations in distortion in the hundredths of a percent (ie 0.01%)
For a protractor that uses the Dennesen principle, like the Smartractor/Unitractor, any variation in the overhang direction of 0.1mm would produce an error in offset angle in the order of 0.08 degrees, which, depending on the direction of the overhang variation, can actually reduce average distortion for a Lofgren A IEC alignment.
However all these numbers are tiny and bear no relation to the variation in accuracy normally achieved in practice (with whichever alignment). Usually the overhang is easiest to set and both the Mint and the Uni protractor, make much of how accurately their items are made, to within 0.01mm. So perhaps if you have an arm with a micrometer adjustment for overhang you could perhaps work to those tolerances with patience and time.
However, the restricting factor is usually how accurately the offset can be set, especially on an arm where adjusting the offset also affects overhang. If you get within a tenth of a degree you are an ace. Worrying about hundredths is silly.
Best wishes to you and all Audiogoners for 2015.
John
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