Proper beam technique

[encoreguy]

Hopefully this is not a stupid question but I don't know the answer. I have a 505 RCBS beam scale and my question is when weighing loads and trickling up the charge do you "bump" the beam to get it to break the magnetic hold and then let it settle or just trickle it up until at zero?

 

[encoreguy]

Surely there is someone who can give me the proper method when using a beam scale or has everyone gone digital now?

 

[Tommie]

I wanna help, but can't. I use an ancient Redding beam scale which has no magnets. I got it in my head that magnets would create false readings.

 

[willyCJ]

I've gone digital. I haven't used a beam based scale since high school. Although I am considering getting a second digital scale to confirm my weight.

 

[NeilNE]

I'm assuming your magnet is not touching the metal beam.
1st balance the scale to zero,
2nd set it for the weight you want.
3rd trickle the load in.
That should be all there is to it. The magnet should not be contacting the metal on the balance beam. If you have anymore question just ask, there are no bad question!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a good one

 

[Chuckhunter]

It's easy enough to check, just trickle up to your desired weight, then remove the pan from the scale and set it back on the scale. If the weight is the same there is no problem. My scale sets on a wooden shelf and when I'm approx. 1/10 of a grain under I just tap the shelf and the slight vibration settles the scale. If I question the weight I simply remove the pan and then place it back down. I use my digital to occasionly check my balance beam and they have never been off by more than a tenth of a grain, in many years. Beams are quite accurate when properly maintained. By the way, my beam is also a 5.0.5 Keep em in the ten ring!

 

[encoreguy]

Thanks for the replies! I just know when I trickle up to the "0" and then bump the beam enough to go above and then below zero that it always shows light and I need to trickle up some more. Someone told me to do it that way a long time ago, but I guess I never questioned it. The magnet does not touch, but the magnetic force does and some say you need to break the force and let it re-settle. I guess I never thought to take the pan off and put it back on to see if it zero's. Makes since.

 

[SooStan]

I too had a scale that seem to have a high magnatic resistance ad did not consistantly read correctly. I took my magnets out and placed a small spacer between the magnets and the beam. This reduced the magnetic resistance and I got much more consistant measurements. The beam takes a little longer to settle but the consistancy has drastically improved. No more setting the pan on the scale and getting a different weight each time.

 

[tuck2]

I use the RCBS Scale Check Weights to test my RCBS 10-10 mechanical and RCBS electronic scale. I have not had a problem with them.

 

[CatShooter]

Hopefully this is not a stupid question but I don't know the answer. I have a 505 RCBS beam scale and my question is when weighing loads and trickling up the charge do you "bump" the beam to get it to break the magnetic hold and then let it settle or just trickle it up until at zero?

The effect that magnets have in a scale with an aluminum or copper vane is called Hysteresis, and when the beam is not moving, the magnets have no effect whatsoever - there is no "hold", like there is when it is magnets and steel.

If you don't get repeatable readings, you have other problems.


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[2506]

I have found that some times a little dust can get into the slots where the balance bars of the beam fit into the frame of the scale and cause it hang a little just like you stated. I just lift the beam out and take a cotton swab and clean the slots and place the beam back on the scale and everything runs smooth. You may not even be able to see any dust but it is there.

 

[encoreguy]

Thanks for all the help. I am not sure that I have an accuracy issue of not. I just was not sure if you needed to "move" the beam after it settles when trickling or just read it. I will re check some powder I measured this weekend to see if it is on. I have some N120 powder measured out in vials for my Savage Smokeless muzzleloader and I can retest them. Thanks again!