Turntable Leveling Question VPI Scout

I level the TT with reference to the armboard. This ensures perfect perpendicularity of the arm as a basis for setting azimuth. Leveling at various points on the platter may produce inconsistent readings.

Dgarretson,
So you level on the plinth?

Yes. On my TNT the platter is slightly dished, as moving the level around on the platter produces inconsistent level readings. When setting up an arm, you want a consistent reference point-- as provided by the armboard or plinth area close to the arm.

I use a 3" Stanley straight level (Home Depot item). This works better than the round bubble levels that come with most TTs. (1) Place the level on the armboard just in front of the arm pivot. (2) Orient the level from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock and level the TT plinth from left to right. (3) Orient the level from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock and level the TT plinth from front to back.

The process takes just two steps, provided that with each adjustment you raise/lower the matching corner towers by equal amounts. It may take a bit longer if you're moving individual balls around.

The best way on the scout is to level the platter itself, with a 2-3" bubble level like DG suggested. I bought a cheap one and took it apart to get just the level itself. Put it radially at 3 o'clock, then rotate it 90 degrees to 6 o'clock. The platter is what matters.

That's what I thought...you'd level the platter in case the center motor bearing was off a bit in relation to the plinth. Maybe the platter on the Scout isn't dished because I get just about center bubble all the way around the platter? If it was dished, I should get the bubble high on the outside consistently.