"Tuning" a balance beam

[Schutzen2]

The agate bearings are designed to move about. Ohaus patented the floating bearing system in 1928, it was a significant step in the development of the mechanical balance.

The bearings sit on a small domed pillow allowing them to self align and help reduce friction.

Question: If the bearings are removed for maintenance/cleaning, should they be oriented to the same position they were in before ?

 

[1066]

Question: If the bearings are removed for maintenance/cleaning, should they be oriented to the same position they were in before ?

The bearings are usually cut accurately enough that it doesn't matter. On the odd occasion you may find a bearing where the "V" isn't in the centre, so when you reassemble the scale the beam is "off centre" this shows up on the 10/10 and the 5-10 scales when the damper blade is too near one side or the other in the damper slot. Juggling around, right to left, front to back usually sorts things out ok.

 

[Schutzen2]

The bearings are usually cut accurately enough that it doesn't matter. On the odd occasion you may find a bearing where the "V" isn't in the centre, so when you reassemble the scale the beam is "off centre" this shows up on the 10/10 and the 5-10 scales when the damper blade is too near one side or the other in the damper slot. Juggling around, right to left, front to back usually sorts things out ok.

Good info. Thank you sir.

 

[SheepDog]

I have a complete rcbs 5-0-5 you can have if you want it. I have a tuned 10-10 and an m5 now so I'm pretty sure I'll never use it again. Be glad to donate it to someone who could use it

Thank you! Yes I am down to no free scales right now and the season for new loaders is getting close. I also gave away the last press I had. (other than my two) I sent you a PM.