Microscope for stylus inspection


What power of magnification is adequate to determine stylus wear?
I purchased a 30X hand-held scope and checked my stylus.
It looks "as-new" i.e., like a perfect cone (Sumiko Blue Point Special).
There are no obvious flats on the sides and all seems to be fine.
I could see where the technician polished the sides and left the 0 and 180 degrees points a little "rough" as they never touch the vinyl.
Does this sound O. K. or do I need a more powerful scope?
128x128dweller

Showing 1 response by rayr2

Hello,
They also sell a Handheld, LED Lighted 30x to 100x handheld microscope at Radio Shack for about $20.00 Its ok for the inspecting we are talking about. I know a guy that used to inspect stylii at a Stereo Shop, and is still very active in turntables, etc...and he told me that you need a minimum of 200x to begin to examine stylus wear. I dont know myself. Ray