Balance Beam Scale Question

[TIMO]

Just wondering if there was a preferred way when not reloading and using your balance beam scale, do you leave it with the pan on and balanced, or pan off, or some other combination. Or does any of this matter to any extent. Also, working on some type of rigid clear cover to keep any dust off of it, any ideas out there. This is a Ohaus 505.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[R.Morehouse]

I have an old RCBS & a Lyman M-5. Both stay packed up when not in use. I think your dust cover idea is a good one...

Regards
Rick

 

[Mikemci]

I cover mine with a cloth, to keep the agates dust free, mainly.

 

[JFrank]

If ya got a cover use it, not use a light cloth

 

[rebs]

Mine has a knob to lift the beam and then I cover it up

 

[group therapy]

I take mine apart after im done with them. I used to lay a paper towel or 2 over the disassembled scale while on the shelf between uses. read a long time ago to take the load off the edges and agates while not in use. just my .02 and its a great thing to have a trusted beam scale for backup (or primary if you dont do electronic scales).

 

[Fast14riot]

Just wondering if there was a preferred way when not reloading and using your balance beam scale, do you leave it with the pan on and balanced, or pan off, or some other combination. Or does any of this matter to any extent. Also, working on some type of rigid clear cover to keep any dust off of it, any ideas out there. This is a Ohaus 505.

Thanks,
Tim

Display case for a 1/18 scale car is about right for a scale. Can find those all over at craft and hobby stores.

 

[K22]

When not in use, I set the balance at 250 grains according to Lyman's instructions presumably taking undo pressure off pivots points. I leave the pan in place.

I also fashioned a dust cover from a zip lock bag, cutting it so it slips over the balance. I believe the dust cover is essential especially if you have a force air system in your reloading room which blows dust all over the place.

I'm not sure but suspect that I did more harm removing the beam after each loading session in an older beam balance by placing it in the fitted metal base of the balance which is designed to store the beam. I noticed that the knife edge on the part of the beam that sits in the base has bright spots indicating wear maybe from rubbing against the metal storage compartment in the base from repeated removing and returning the bean to the storage compartment.

 

[Old Tanker]

RCBS 1000 has a specific way to stow each part and the plastic cover fits tight.

 

[TIMO]

Thanks to all, I appreciate all the ideas and techniques.

Tim

 

[gambleone]

Take the beam and pan off. You want all weight off of blades.

 

[ckrifles]

I have a old Lymam Ohaus D5 scale I bought in 1963. After use I take it apart and store it in a small metal box lined with old news paper. Its still as accurate as ever.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Haven't used a balance scale for years.

Depending on the protective cover, how often you intend to use it and the chance of it being banged into. You can leave the beam and tray in place. Or if not protected from dust and potential banging, then disassemble and store well wrapped. Precision instruments should be handled as well as we expect them to perform.

I have thought about buying a beam scale, as a backup to my Sartorius. I always thought it would be nice too protect and display the scale in a wood and glass train display case. They can be found online for $35-$60 and they offer custom sizes to.

Always thought the old beam scales of old that resided in those glass cases were very cool. Sort of a modern turn on that concept. Would love to find a nice cabinet without the scale like the one below. This way you could use the scale in the case as well to protect from air movement.

But something like this would do. Although I found many designs and sizes. https://www.etsy.com/listing/559421752/124-scale-golden-oak-model-car-case-by?ref=related-2

 

[rogn]

All of the old lab analytical balances had a storage position that physically lifted the beam of the gates to prevent contact and wear on the knife edges and bearings. This immobilized the pans as well as the beam. I ake the pan off of my Ohaus and leave the beam immobilized. Remember if the scale is in a balanced state in storage the edges and bearings are in wear from air movement of the beam. Due to the design of most scales i think disassembly carries more risk of damage that covering assembled but inactivated.

 

[MislMan]

You might find a plastic storage box like those found at Home Depot. Buy just the bottom piece of one of proper size.

 

[sparker]

Just wondering if there was a preferred way when not reloading and using your balance beam scale, do you leave it with the pan on and balanced, or pan off, or some other combination. Or does any of this matter to any extent. Also, working on some type of rigid clear cover to keep any dust off of it, any ideas out there. This is a Ohaus 505.

Thanks,
Tim

As others have correctly stated, remove the beam when not in use and keep dust off/out of it. Do not lubricate.

 

[M-61]

Great model of a Bugatti Royale