vpi jmw tonarm rust yes rust

Just a note,there are many grades of stainless steel.The higher the grade# the better.Lower grade#s will rust,Surfice rust only.Higher grade#s do not .Just try [Theo]`s idea, the wd40 will more than likely remove it.It is only on the surfice.Is your equiptment located in a high humidity area?If your sound room is in a basement you may want to check the humidity level.You may be slowly getting rust inside your audio equiptment.You may have to install a dehumidifier.Just so I don`t get yelled at,I am not saying VPI is using cheap SS.The grade they are using I am sure they have a reason.Ask them.

I would be more concerned about the chemicals in the Black Flag you rubbed on the the plinth of your VPI.Have you read what`s in there.

Toddwi, yes in a high humidity environment low grade# s.s.
will surfice rust, and aluminum will oxidize. Just like in a moderate to low humidity environment low grade# s.s. will not get surfice rust and aluminum, if it does oxidize might take many years.