VPI Classic III force gauge

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.

:-)

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.

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.

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.

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.

It sounds more like the scale manufacture used the wrong type of stainless steel. Ferritic stainless steels are generally magnetic while austenitic stainless steels are not.

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.

Wow, there used to cases where the Shure gauge was made of the wrong metal (I had one) and attracted the cart, but I've never heard of a digital gauge doing this. I'd get in touch with VPI about it and NOT use it from now on.

Are you sure it's the gauge and not the cartridge causing the attraction?
Either way, it would be pretty dang stupid to use ferrous metal in a device of this type.
I don't recall any such problems dialing in the Blackbird on my Classic II.

me either.....use the Shure Bros. scale. It will get you into the ball park and then use your ears. There is no need for an electronic scale.