Pacific M scale issue, need advise.

[pdhntr]

I have a Pacific Model M scale that my late father bought new maybe 40-50 years ago. If it could tell me how much powder it has weighed, over 100 lbs would not surprise me in the least. I know one year I kept track, it was over 20 lbs.

Anyhow, I discovered an issue with it. I don’t know if this is new, or it has always done this and I just didn’t know.

As the moveable masses on the right get closer to the fulcrum, the ability to weigh accurately seems to come into question. This happens at 19.7-19.9, 29.8-29.9 and to some extent at 39.9.

In other words, when I measure out 29.9 and then change the masses to 30.0 and re-weigh, the pointer will show the weight as more than 30.0.

It is around this weight (29-30) that I am loading for 6BR so I really need some good resolution out of this scale.

I think I have done everything twice to get this resolved, and nothing helps. I have sharpened the knives, put graphite on them, cleaned the graphite off. Cleaned the hanger detents, leveled the scale and the base. Testing and retesting shows the same anomaly.

Does anyone have a possible solution, or is it time for an FX-120i?

Jim

 

[JimSC]

try using spray electrical contact cleaner on the knives and ways. You can find it in the electrical tools section of any big hardware store. It cleans and leaves no residue behind. Rubbing alcohol on a non lint cloth such as a lens cleaning cloth may also work

 

[BoydAllen]

I have spent a little time tuning scales. Along the way, I played with a friend's brand new Hornady scale, that has the same knife bearings that your Pacific has. I came to the conclusion that it could not be tuned like my Ohaus and Ohaus mfg. RCBS scales that have agate bearings. Go on Ebay and get another scale. IMO the bearings are the issue, and they cannot be fixed.

 

[pdhntr]

try using spray electrical contact cleaner on the knives and ways. You can find it in the electrical tools section of any big hardware store. It cleans and leaves no residue behind. Rubbing alcohol on a non lint cloth such as a lens cleaning cloth may also work

Hi Jim,

They are clean. The knives are clean, the bearings are clean. I have used alcohol, lacquer thinner, spray gun cleaner and clean rags and toweling.

See Boyd's post above. I think he is right.

Jim

 

[pdhntr]

I have spent a little time tuning scales. Along the way, I played with a friend's brand new Hornady scale, that has the same knife bearings that your Pacific has. I came to the conclusion that it could not be tuned like my Ohaus and Ohaus mfg. RCBS scales that have agate bearings. Go on Ebay and get another scale. IMO the bearings are the issue, and they cannot be fixed.

I know you have knowledge of scales. After systematically checking everything, and rigorous testing, I am at the same conclusion.

With all due respect, "go on eBay and get another scale" covers a lot of ground. Would I look at the used 10-10's? 505's?

I don't know which ones have agate bearings.

Thanks.

Jim

 

[BoydAllen]

I know you have knowledge of scales. After systematically checking everything, and rigorous testing, I am at the same conclusion.

With all due respect, "go on eBay and get another scale" covers a lot of ground. Would I look at the used 10-10's? 505's?

I don't know which ones have agate bearings.

Thanks.

Jim

Any of the scales made by Ohaus, which would include some of the Lyman, RCBS, and of course Ohaus. I would ask the seller specific questions about the bearings and mfg. If you want to you can send me a link to a listing by PM and I will check it out.

 

[KMart]

I know you have knowledge of scales. After systematically checking everything, and rigorous testing, I am at the same conclusion.

With all due respect, "go on eBay and get another scale" covers a lot of ground. Would I look at the used 10-10's? 505's?

I don't know which ones have agate bearings.

Thanks.

Jim

Put an ad in the classified section and tell them what you are looking for. They pop up ever so often and someone may have one they are sitting on.

 

[JFrank]

I have a Pacific Model M scale that my late father bought new maybe 40-50 years ago. If it could tell me how much powder it has weighed, over 100 lbs would not surprise me in the least. I know one year I kept track, it was over 20 lbs.

Anyhow, I discovered an issue with it. I don’t know if this is new, or it has always done this and I just didn’t know.

As the moveable masses on the right get closer to the fulcrum, the ability to weigh accurately seems to come into question. This happens at 19.7-19.9, 29.8-29.9 and to some extent at 39.9.

In other words, when I measure out 29.9 and then change the masses to 30.0 and re-weigh, the pointer will show the weight as more than 30.0.

It is around this weight (29-30) that I am loading for 6BR so I really need some good resolution out of this scale.

I think I have done everything twice to get this resolved, and nothing helps. I have sharpened the knives, put graphite on them, cleaned the graphite off. Cleaned the hanger detents, leveled the scale and the base. Testing and retesting shows the same anomaly.

Does anyone have a possible solution, or is it time for an FX-120i?

Jim

You could contact @sparker here on the forum perhaps he has one for sale.
I prefer the heavy chassis model 1005, or M5 due to the main poise in 5 grain increments vs the10 grain main poise increments of the 10-10

 

[sparker]

You have a built in poise error. It is not uncommon. That said, dealing with it is straight forward:
1) Figure out which setting is true
2) use pointer position either 1/10th above or below to indicate a completed charge.
Scott Parker

 

[INTJ]

It's ALWAYS time for an A&D or Sartorius scale--with Autothrow and AutoTrickler--if you don't already have it..........

 

[pdhntr]

Any of the scales made by Ohaus, which would include some of the Lyman, RCBS, and of course Ohaus. I would ask the seller specific questions about the bearings and mfg. If you want to you can send me a link to a listing by PM and I will check it out.

Thanks Boyd. I might take you up on the offer.

Jim

 

[pdhntr]

You could contact @sparker here on the forum perhaps he has one for sale.
I prefer the heavy chassis model 1005, or M5 due to the main poise in 5 grain increments vs the10 grain main poise increments of the 10-10

So is the first pic of a model 1005 and the second pic of an M5?

Thanks

Jim

 

[pdhntr]

You have a built in poise error. It is not uncommon. That said, dealing with it is straight forward:
1) Figure out which setting is true
2) use pointer position either 1/10th above or below to indicate a completed charge.
Scott Parker

Thank you for the diagnosis, however, I really don't want to "deal" with it.

Now that I am sure it isn't right, it's like having a wife that cheated on me. I will never really trust her again.

PM sent.

Jim

 

[pdhntr]

It's ALWAYS time for an A&D or Sartorius scale--with Autothrow and AutoTrickler--if you don't already have it..........

Do you have an A&D? I would welcome any information.

Thanks.

Jim

 

[JFrank]

So is the first pic of a model 1005 and the second pic of an M5?

Thanks

Jim

The 10-10 scale has the rotary micro poise as pictured

 

[foxguy]

pdhntr

I did a search on E bay - found this

Vintage OHAUS 10-0-5 1005 PRECISION RELOADING SCALE | eBay

it looks to be in excellent condition if you are looking to replace yours?

No relation to me... I have one. it is an excellent scale.

 

[JFrank]

That’s a good buy

 

[Rustytigwire]

Can you post a close up of the bearings for us only been at it 10 years?

 

[pdhntr]

Can you post a close up of the bearings for us only been at it 10 years?

Are you referring to one of my posts? Sorry, a little confused by your post.

The Pacific M that I have has a grooved metal circle that I may have referred to as a bearing. Is that what you want a pic of?

Jim

 

[Rustytigwire]

Jim,
Yes what kind of bearing do those scales have?
Im not familiar with the different ones out there.
If you have the means and time for a closer photo.
Thank you.
Tom