I am quite sure I am using my washer and clamp in the correct manner. It still does, and will continue to dish the record every time you tighten it down. It is physically impossible for it to be level when it has this washer acting as a spacer between the record and the platter. I will agree that the clamp, when used in combination with the vpi washer is very effective at removing small warps in records. I have ordered a grungebuster washer from herbies audio that is half as thick as the stock vpi washer. It also has the same outside diameter as well as spindle hole diameter as the VPI stock washer. I will use the herbies washer for the majority of my LPs. When I do have an occasion where I want to play a slightly warped LP, I will then use the VPI washer. Having two different size washers is going to be very useful. I will report back later when I get a chance to try the thinner herbies washer. I am hoping it will keep the record completely flat to the platter when the record isn't warped to begin with. I should have it by middle of next week. Stay tuned.
Andy
Andy