I'm all for saving money. As regards protractors, my ship has left the dock. I already own and have paid for the UNItractor, the Feickert, an original all metal Dennesen (I keep it for its historical value), and a Turntable Basics (which I no longer use at all). For those who have not already shot their wad, there is apparently a free program available on the internet wherein you can dial in the name of your tonearm and cartridge and then print out a free arc protractor template, provided your printer will make 1:1 copies. Do a search on either VE or VA for the URL. Honestly, I do not feel that the mirror is so vital to the procedure, although the UNI is mirrored. Certainly, not using a mirror does not make one ignorant or careless. If your cantilever is out of line, you probably can compensate for the error by guesstimate.