VPI Classic III force gauge

IME, some electronic and Shure gauges do react with magnets. Others don't. Brf's explanation seems the most likely.

With any new scale, it's prudent to test with a refrigerator magnet before using it to set up a phono cartridge. Aside from the risk of cantilever damage, any magnetic interaction will skew the results, making the scale useless for setting VTF.

I agree with Stringreen in principle. A scale can only get you in the ballpark. Listening is the only way to optimize VTF.

That said, some may find it easier/quicker to get to the nearest .1g or so with a stable weighing platform and a digital readout vs. fussing with a balance. I do, but if someone's comfortable with a Shure balance (or similar), that's fine too.

I spoke to VPI about it and they said some of the scale will be magnetized because of the the manufacturing process of the stainless steel in the scale. They said they can exchange it for me if I send it in. I will do a follow up when I get it back.

Hogwash. If austenitic stainless steel was used, the manufacturing process would not "magnetize" it. Only two "processes" could result in magnetically reactive SS:
1) incompetent material specifications from VPI; or
2) competent material specifications from VPI that were ignored by the fabricator.

It's good that they're standing behind their product, but this would never have happened if reasonable process controls were in place.

VPI? Proper controls? Please.

To clear up the discussion, ALL metals will show some degree of magnetic behavior. All metal gauges will show some degree of this. Don't bother arguing about it, go to some textbooks.

Yes, all metals exhibit some degree of magnetic behavior. For that matter, all gases induce some degree of Brownian motion.

To build a practical VTF scale it's sufficient to eliminate most magnetic behavior, so avoid ferritic steels.

To use a VTF scale it's sufficient to eliminate most Brownian motion, so avoid measuring VTF outdoors on windy days.

:-)