Stylus force digital scales

Lewm, I believe we are saying the same thing if I replace force of gravity "on an abject" with force vector. An object perpendicular to the earth’ surface will experience only one force vector. Anything other than perpendicular, results in more than one force vector and that is (as you obviously know) why balls roll downhill and objects topple if not supported. Thanks for the additional clarification.

All physically true, but, does it matter? The optimal VTF for any given cartridge is an unknown. We could try to measure by incremental adjustments while taking measurements, but the results would always be a range that is dependent on the accuracy and precision of our measuring devices. Plus the recording being played will also determine the outcome and define the parameters and conditions under which the analysis was performed i.e., the so-called asterisk in the footnote. So, the optimal VTF will always be a range, it can't be anything other than that, and, as long as we are in that range, slight variations of up and down motion on the cartridge imparted by the record and that change the VTF ever so slightly as described above simply          won’t          matter.

All physically true, but, does it matter? The optimal VTF for any given cartridge is an unknown

I agree, I only use the stylus force gauge to set the vtf at the manufacture's recommended force and then perform fine adjustments by ear.  Personally, I don't need a scale that measures to the 1,000 of a gram.

@lewm I’d not expect their to be any noticeable attraction (we’re talking about .1g of effect which I’m sure you could not feel)

the test id like to run (which I will when I get home) is to load the platform statically with something non magnetic and then bring a magnet close to the scale and see if the weight reading changes I.e. if the magnetic field has an effect on the weighing mechanism itself.  I’ll report back on what I find out

@brf you are totally right. I was thinking about this more during a drive right after I posted, and never corrected. Good stuff.