Which VTF Scale are you using?

So apparently the apparent weight of meat is not accurate, when the weigh pan is not at the level of the LP surface.  Interesting.

I just use the Shure stylus force gauge at the set-up.  Then I make fine adjustments with a familiar album.  Then recheck after the fine adjustment.  It has always been within the manufacture's recommended force.  I think spending the time on the alignment of the cartridge is more important than the accuracy of the stylist force. (as long it not to heavy)  

@mijostyn. Thanks for pointing this out, However my scale is clearly marked "Made in Japan." I have tried multiple Chinese products that were inexpensive, but all were inaccurate and risked to damage my cartridges or the TT was not tuned right. I only use two scales. The Ortofon I recommended earlier and an old version of the Clear Audio digital scale, which I bought 20 years ago and still works fine. Both are tested for accuracy often and they have never let me down. My two cents. 

Btw, the link I posted above from the Ortofon site includes VAT ca 20% which is removed when shipped out of EU.

I have used two (because the first eventually failed) of the cheap generic Chinese scales. When I bought a Riverstone scale there was an issue that might catch others out, as it did for me for a couple of minutes. I set it up, calibrated it, and then recalibrated with the 'record level arm' attached. It worked perfectly, showing 5g with the calibrating weight on the target pad. My cheapo Chinese scale also showed 5g with the weight on.

The issue came when trying to check the actual VTF of my cartridges. When the cheap Chinese said 2g, the Riverstone said 0.5g. Eventually I figured out that the cheap Chinese scale was a lot higher above the turntable platter, and I was measuring the VTF with the tonearm still raised somewhat, and still being held up slightly by the arm lift. Once I put the Riverstone scale under the stylus, the reading of 0.5g went to 2g as soon as I lowered the tonearm lever. A simple issue, but one that might catch out the unwary, as it did me for a couple of minutes.

Perhaps the main message I should pass on is that both scales agree once the tonearm is completely lowered. Very likely the mechanism inside is exactly the same.