Isolating scale query.

[Bazoo]

I've been using my scale and putting it up when done.

I have a 6x6' room approximately for my reloading. I currently have a 4' bench against one wall. However, I plan to build a bench the length of the wall and attached to the wall.

The plan has been to build a shelf specific for the scale above my bench, so I can leave it setup some.

But I got to thinking, if I have a bench attached to the wall, which is stud framed, and a shelf attached to the same wall, same studs, it won't really be isolated.

Will it be isolated enough? Ideas and suggestions welcomed.

 

[LiveLife]

plan ... to build a shelf specific for the scale above my bench ... Will it be isolated enough? Ideas and suggestions welcomed.

I use small digital scales at the bench but also have Ohaus 10-10 beam scale mounted separately on a shelf at eye level along with analytical/lab type scale on separate bench isolated from everything - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-scale-zero-drift-and-can-it-be-fixed.893402/

Whether the scale is used on the bench or dedicated shelf attached to bench or wall, key is keeping it level. If your bench is not level, you can make a small mount block for the scale.

Even though beam scale is isolated from the bench vibration, I don't worry too much about shock damage as both Ohaus 10-10 and RCBS 5-0-5 scales' knife edges ride on agate stones free-floated on posts. Shock/movement of bench would not affect beam scale readings as long as scale was leveled/zeroed before making a reading.

While I use digital scales on the bench, I store them away from bench on a shelving unit. Digital scales are delicate electronic instruments and I take precautions to prevent accidental fall/drop from the bench.

 

[CMV]

I've had my 505 on a shelf that was mounted to same studs work bench was secured to. Didn't seem to bother it. Hornady dispensing scale however even on its own little stand near the bench but not screwed into anything, the press will bother it. I'm in a 2nd floor spare bedroom, so concrete like garage or basement would probably be fine. So there are some variables at play for sure. I also like having a beam scale at eye level on a shelf - if that's the kind of scale you have try it on a shelf mounted to same wall - or whatever wall puts it where you want it. You'll probably find that works well

 

[Otto]

Will it be isolated enough?

How would we possibly know before you build it?
We don’t even know if the scale in question is digital or beam.

 

[Bazoo]

The scale in question is mechanical of the 505 variety. I forgot to mention that.

 

[LiveLife]

The scale in question is mechanical of the 505 variety.

Nice. Free-floating agate bearings self-adjusting to knife edge on posts will work consistently as long as scale is level and bearings are clean and free from debri (I use alcohol to clean them, especially down in the "v" notch line).

Set of check weights and you are good to go despite the bump and vibration of the reloading bench.

 

[DazedandConfuzed]

I have found my scales are much more sensitive to air current than vibration. You may want to take that into consideration when locating your scales.

 

[Bazoo]

No air vents in my closet sized room. Just a hair dryer I use for warming my lubesizer.

I thought vibration would kill a scale, any mechanical scale. But it depends on the scale type? My understanding was that it made the knife edges dull from pounding against the bearing surfaces.

 

[deadeye dick]

No offence but i think you are overthinking this. Moving air is your enemy.

 

[Bazoo]

That could be, the over thinking. I want my scale to last so I treat it with very carefully.

I don't run the hair dryer when I'm needing the scale. I did notice the scale moving when I'm warming my lubesizer.

 

[LiveLife]

I thought vibration would kill a scale, any mechanical scale. But it depends on the scale type? My understanding was that it made the knife edges dull from pounding against the bearing surfaces.

Ohaus 10-10/5-0-5 and other brands that use similar agate stone bearings that free-float on posts allow the knife edge to rest at the bottom of the "v" notch line and absorb bumps/shocks by agate stones sliding on top of posts instead of dulling/damaging the knife edge.

Ohaus 10-10 knife edge on agate stone bearing with cover on and off. Free-floating agate stones allow the stones to self-align with the knife edge.

RCBS 5-0-5 post that agate stone "free floats" on

 

[Bazoo]

I didn't know that. I mean about absorbing shock. I knew it was free floating.

 

[LiveLife]

I didn't know that. I mean about absorbing shock. I knew it was free floating.

Great design! And agate stone bearings last almost forever.