I am using a K10 Presto and I am cutting 45s. My sapphire needle is starting to make a lot of noise. While cutting virgin PVC (not embossing), every now and then I get a high pitched screech. Sometimes it lasts for a good 20 seconds or so. I tried to adjust the force of the cutting head, but that doesn't do anything. After cutting, I hear the same screech when playing record (which isn't surprising) and I also get what sounds like two pieces of paper constantly rubbing against each other while the music is playing on the player. When I first started to cut about a month ago, the cuts were really quiet and I was impressed with how it sounded. Now all of a sudden I am getting all this noise. It didn't happen gradually either. I didn't bump or drop the needle. I actually had it sitting for about 2 weeks with the lid on it, so nothing could have happened to the needle during that time.
Below I have 3 pictures that are at about x15 magnification. Sorry if they aren't too clear, but I think everyone can tell if its dull or not. The first picture looks dull to me.
