What new beam scales are good?

[sparker]

A few years back my 50+ year old Ohaus died. I replaced it with a Lyman Brass Smith beam balance and have been completely satisfied with it.

It holds zero and it checks within + or - 0.1 grain as advertised, and often better when checked with calibration weights throughout the range of my use.

If you decide to go this route, three things I would recommend: 1) Keep it covered* to prevent dust accumulation in the pivots and knife edges, 2) Periodically clean the pivots and knife edges with a Q Tip and alcohol, 3) follow the instructions for the large counterweight placement on the beam when the balance is not in service.

* A plastic bag, custom cut to fit works great.

Curious, how did your Ohaus “die” ?

 

[danny]

Electronic ones are pretty nice.

They are good for weighing bullets and cases.

Danny

 

[Rocketvapor]

They are good for weighing bullets and cases.

Danny

and primers

 

[K22]

Curious, how did your Ohaus “die” ?

The balance would not return to zero. Also on occasion, the balance would not completely register under load, i.e., the beam would "hang up" in the anvils.

I cleaned the knife edges and pivots several times. But the problem kept repeating. After more careful inspection, I discovered the "bright spots" on the knife edges indicative of uneven wear and thus probably the source of the balance malfunction.

I decided to replace the balance with a Lyman until I could figure a fix.

With the help of a forum member's advice, I attempted to repair the knife edges using a fine stone going very slowly. While some improvement was noticed, the results were inconsistent. The failure to fix was most likely due to my lack of skill in honing the edges.

Rather than chase a fix, I just continued using the Lyman and never looked back. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick fix. Also, I rationalized the decision to move on based on after 50+ years of service, I got my money's worth out of the old Ohaus.

 

[sparker]

The balance would not return to zero. Also on occasion, the balance would not completely register under load, i.e., the beam would "hang up" in the anvils.

I cleaned the knife edges and pivots several times. But the problem kept repeating. After more careful inspection, I discovered the "bright spots" on the knife edges indicative of uneven wear and thus probably the source of the balance malfunction.

I decided to replace the balance with a Lyman until I could figure a fix.

With the help of a forum member's advice, I attempted to repair the knife edges using a fine stone going very slowly. While some improvement was noticed, the results were inconsistent. The failure to fix was most likely due to my lack of skill in honing the edges.

Rather than chase a fix, I just continued using the Lyman and never looked back. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick fix. Also, I rationalized the decision to move on based on after 50+ years of service, I got my money's worth out of the old Ohaus.

Which model?

 

[K22]

Which model?

It was the one with the hard plastic cover and storage area recess area in the base for storing the beam when not in service.

I don't have it anymore so I can't recall the exact model number. I bought it over 50+ years ago. I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night!

 

[sparker]

It was the one with the hard plastic cover and storage area recess area in the base for storing the beam when not in service.

I don't have it anymore so I can't recall the exact model number. I bought it over 50+ years ago. I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night!

Sounds like a 505. The copper dampening vane was likely making contact with the scale body.

 

[longbow]

Ohause " Dial O Grain" 1,110 grain capacity. this is the top one! They also made the Dial O Gram...the cocaine scale that did it all ! LOL I keep mine under plastic ,I dont use it like i used to , bought a FX-120 that cost both arms and both legs! If you can find one of these...its the best out there......

 

[sparker]

Ohause " Dial O Grain" 1,110 grain capacity. this is the top one! They also made the Dial O Gram...the cocaine scale that did it all ! LOL I keep mine under plastic ,I dont use it like i used to , bought a FX-120 that cost both arms and both legs! If you can find one of these...its the best out there......

The beam heads are so big and heavy on these. Lots of reciprocating mass. All to measure < 100 grains of powder.

 

[K22]

Sounds like a 505. The copper dampening vane was likely making contact with the scale body.

That was the first thing I checked. There was no contact.

 

[Larry Koch]

Beam scales make great hood ornaments.

Thanks for the spell checking,

 

[nettle]

Beam scales make great hood ordainments .

Ordination - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[sparker]

It is hard for me to imagine that wear on the pivot knives would be noticeable/possible. The pivot knives are induction hardened somewhere north of file-hard, likely to die hardness. They pivot on highly polished agates. The load is minuscule.