New FX 120i

[mike06]

My new FX 120i got here a few days ago. I am not going to be able to set it in a permanent spot on my bench. I will have to slide it about 12" to 16" forward each time I use. Here is what I am thinking for a set up. Not going to use a auto powder system.
1. Set the scale on a piece of granite with felt stick on pads on the bottom of the granite so it will slide easy.
2. Build a plexiglass box to cover the scale leave the front open for access.
3. Drill a access hole on right hand side of the box for my trickler tube to slide in.

My biggest concern is if the felt pads will hold up and not collapse. Friend is getting me some granite not sure how thick it will be. Any other suggestions? Thanks Mike

 

[DngBat7]

I picked up a piece of granite from a kitchen counter place. It was a cut out scrap piece for a sink. I as well slide my granite back and forth because of limited work space. Works fine. I have the fx700ct, as sensitive as it is, unless I purposely breath hard on it, measurements are pretty consistent. Plexiglass box seems like over kill.

 

[mike06]

My thinking on the plexiglass box is that I will not be using the top that comes with the scale and I want to eliminate any chance of dust because I have a air vent near by that I shut off when i use the scale.

 

[DngBat7]

My thinking on the plexiglass box is that I will not be using the top that comes with the scale and I want to eliminate any chance of dust because I have a air vent near by that I shut off when i use the scale.

Makes since. I guess you can store stuff on top as well if you are in a tight space

 

[T-shooter]

Very important to check the level on the scale every time you use it. Make yourself a test weight similar to the weight of the powder charges. You'll use this as a point of reference every time you use the scale and it's a good idea to spot check it every few loads. When working properly, the scale should read the exact same time after time with your test weight. If you you have a problem that needs to be addressed. To get mine to work properly, I had to add a couple ferrite filters on the power line and get a TrippLite LC1200 line filter. Before, it used to drift to the point of being unusable. That was because of the electrical power problems I have.

The setting I use are to have the speed Mode to "FAST", the Stability to "0", and the Zero Tracking set to "3", the highest setting. Sometimes it will settle on a reading 1 division high and within 3-5 seconds return to the correct reading.

 

[mike06]

Very important to check the level on the scale every time you use it. Make yourself a test weight similar to the weight of the powder charges. You'll use this as a point of reference every time you use the scale and it's a good idea to spot check it every few loads. When working properly, the scale should read the exact same time after time with your test weight. If you you have a problem that needs to be addressed. To get mine to work properly, I had to add a couple ferrite filters on the power line and get a TrippLite LC1200 line filter. Before, it used to drift to the point of being unusable. That was because of the electrical power problems I have.

The setting I use are to have the speed Mode to "FAST", the Stability to "0", and the Zero Tracking set to "3", the highest setting. Sometimes it will settle on a reading 1 division high and within 3-5 seconds return to the correct reading.

Thanks T-Shooter I have a APC power conditioner and a couple ferrite filters in place have been down that road with power spikes and computers before. Not taking any chances with this scale. Thanks for the settings info takes out the guess work. I used it a couple times already not seeing any drifting yet. Getting the granite base tonight.

 

[dcali]

It’s not that sensitive. Level it, keep it away from air drafts, and you’re good to go.

 

[ronemus]

It will change zero with temperature, but that happens slowly so occasionally re-zeroing takes care of it.

 

[Dos XX]

Piece of tile from Home Depot will work fine.

 

[group therapy]

My new FX 120i got here a few days ago. I am not going to be able to set it in a permanent spot on my bench. I will have to slide it about 12" to 16" forward each time I use. Here is what I am thinking for a set up. Not going to use a auto powder system.
1. Set the scale on a piece of granite with felt stick on pads on the bottom of the granite so it will slide easy.
2. Build a plexiglass box to cover the scale leave the front open for access.
3. Drill a access hole on right hand side of the box for my trickler tube to slide in.

My biggest concern is if the felt pads will hold up and not collapse. Friend is getting me some granite not sure how thick it will be. Any other suggestions? Thanks Mike

I just bumped an earlier post to the top. Might help, might not. Good luck. Bryant

 

[jthor]

If you can’t afford the autoTrickler, perhaps look at doing the open source version? http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/open-trickler-the-diy-smart-powder-trickler.3978138/

 

[mike06]

If you can’t afford the autoTrickler, perhaps look at doing the open source version? http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/open-trickler-the-diy-smart-powder-trickler.3978138/

I have the new hornady auto trickler and for a $35 to $40 dollar tool it works very well.

 

[cj8vet]

does it attach to the fx120i?

 

[mike06]

does it attach to the fx120i?

No it will sit on the side

 

[T-shooter]

I have the new hornady auto trickler and for a $35 to $40 dollar tool it works very well.

How accurate can you be with it? I didn't know they had a new one. I've been using the Dandy/Omega trickler for several years and you can dispense down to 1 piece of Varget at a time. I use a Lee dipper and finish up with the trickler.

 

[Gina1]

When not using my scale, a pillow case works real well to keep dust out, also covers the trickler.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Wind shields, or "breeze breaks" as they are calling them, are available for the FX-120i in two different heights: https://www.hogentogler.com/and/fx-...MIrIzbkaP24gIVBqvsCh0_tQIeEAYYASABEgL1wPD_BwE

FWIW - when weighing at the milligram level (i.e. a single kernel of powder), air currents are a big deal and will affect your charge weights if not dealt with. Although you can easily make something that works, you will generally not be able to improve on a wind shield specifically designed for a given balance by the company that built it. They are generally not that expensive. I seem to recall seeing different images here online of people's setups with the FX-120i that were using tricklers in conjunction with the manufacturer's wind shield, perhaps slightly modified to accept the trickler.

Mike - I have used a high end Mettler analytical balance set on a large 2.5" thick granite surface plate that I slide forward and back on my reloading bench just as you described. I have done this for years. It should not damage the balance, but you may occasionally need to re-level it.

Edited to add: here is a link to exactly the kind of setup I have seen in the past:
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/a-d-fx-setup-just-what-i-like-ymmv.3978955/

 

[mike06]

Wind shields, or "breeze breaks" as they are calling them, are available for the FX-120i in two different heights: https://www.hogentogler.com/and/fx-...MIrIzbkaP24gIVBqvsCh0_tQIeEAYYASABEgL1wPD_BwE

FWIW - when weighing at the milligram level (i.e. a single kernel of powder), air currents are a big deal and will affect your charge weights if not dealt with. Although you can easily make something that works, you will generally not be able to improve on a wind shield specifically designed for a given balance by the company that built it. They are generally not that expensive. I seem to recall seeing different images here online of people's setups with the FX-120i that were using tricklers in conjunction with the manufacturer's wind shield, perhaps slightly modified to accept the trickler.

Mike - I have used a high end Mettler analytical balance set on a large 2.5" thick granite surface plate that I slide forward and back on my reloading bench just as you described. I have done this for years. It should not damage the balance, but you may occasionally need to re-level it.

Edited to add: here is a link to exactly the kind of setup I have seen in the past:
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/a-d-fx-setup-just-what-i-like-ymmv.3978955/

Ned I have made a plexiglass cover for my scale that is only open in the front. I will drill a small hole for the trickler tube to enter. The cover is 1/4" plexiglass I want something very protective just incase something fell off the shelf above it. Thanks for your help. I have never own a scale of this quality.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Although the specific level of accuracy/precision in powder weighing needed to prevent it from being a limiting source of error in long range shooting is debatable, I have always been in the camp of "weigh powder to the best accuracy/precision you can afford". You will love using your new balance and charge weight variance in your loads should never even be a consideration when lying behind the rifle. A good balance is worth the price, IMO, even if just for the peace of mind .

 

[mike06]

How accurate can you be with it? I didn't know they had a new one. I've been using the Dandy/Omega trickler for several years and you can dispense down to 1 piece of Varget at a time. I use a Lee dipper and finish up with the trickler.

I can also drop 1 stick of varget with mine it just takes some practice and getting use to. This is my work in progress. About to put some clips on the sides to prevent the cover from shifting.