Keeping scales stable

[Buchan]

I am using an RCBS 5-0-5 beam scale and a Targetmaster trickler. Is there a neat way to fix them in place? I've had the irritation of not realising I'd nudge the light beam so it was stuck and so it kept going?
I could put screws into the work surface or stick the scales in a load of sealant, but would prefer something a little more elegant that I can adjust. There must be some sort of desk top instrument clamp, but tinterweb searching hasn't helped

 

[cjm1066]

Had a wooden cutting board set up to keep a scale and trickler in alignment, worked nicely with lyman scales and rcbs trickier. If anyone wants it?

Now moved onto electric scales.

 

[Len the dog]

I have my beam scales on a shelf at eye level, to keep zero constant I have cut out a template for both ends of the scale and screwed them to the shelf. A small countersink in the shelf where the beam scale adjustment screw locates means that they never move, did the same for the footprint of the trickler and I can be absolutely certain of the repeatability of the scales.
I also always work with the door shut as the slightest air movement will upset the scales

 

[Buchan]

I have my beam scales on a shelf at eye level, to keep zero constant I have cut out a template for both ends of the scale and screwed them to the shelf. A small countersink in the shelf where the beam scale adjustment screw locates means that they never move, did the same for the footprint of the trickler and I can be absolutely certain of the repeatability of the scales.
I also always work with the door shut as the slightest air movement will upset the scales

I like the idea of the countersink. Will be a test of my wood working skills though! Skin is far easier

 

[Greenmist]

I have the same set up on a shelf, drilled a hole and fitted a large allen bolt, this allows the adjustment wheel to locate, I marked the other end and put two screws in to prevent the pan end moving, I've never bothered securing the light beam end, but I suppose self adhesive velcro would do, I like the idea of routing out a footprint for the scale and trickler, but lack the skill and tools to do so. However, thinking of it, a small piece of thin ply cut out and secured in place would have the same effect

 

[aris]

I use the same setup.

Allan makes a bespoke light sensor for the 505 which attaches to the scale itself. Works brilliantly.

@1066

 

[n3al]

I have some of this, ideal for resting dies on aswell

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-craft-77125045-grip-mat-black/4751T?tc=JC9&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi5q3BhCiARIsAJCfuZkIi47jSe_kzFBhPs9dQmO5qQCK0zVW_70sC5ARAqVj_Y9f31VjgZwaAiqIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Will the chippy]

Blue tack?

 

[aris]

Here is the contraption I was talking about. The balance isn't in at the moment - but you et the gist of how it works.

 

[aris]

Here is an assembly video Allan sent me a while back.

 

[Buchan]

So.
After a lot of, to be frank, titting about, the solution was the simple and judicious use of blue tack (thanks Will the Chippy). I’d cut a groove in square of plastic I use to raise the right band side, two bits of blue tak where that rests and two on the zero wheel. It will take a slight knock and remain stable. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[25 Sharps]

I use the same setup.

Allan makes a bespoke light sensor for the 505 which attaches to the scale itself. Works brilliantly.

@1066

Unfortunately Alan hasn’t been on since a year ago. Hopefully he is doing ok.

 

[billgatese30]

Assuming he's the same 1066 as on other forums, he's still going as I've seen his title pop up a few times.

 

[fordy1967]

His website is still taking orders, just ordered one

 

[fordy1967]

Hi all, Allan has ceased making these units, he sent me a full refund.

Just a heads up if anyone else was thinking of ordering one off his website. I’ll keep my eyes open for a secondhand one………

 

[aris]

Hi all, Allan has ceased making these units, he sent me a full refund.

Just a heads up if anyone else was thinking of ordering one off his website. I’ll keep my eyes open for a secondhand one………

Just missed one: Targetmaster electronic powder trickler in custom made transport box | eBay

 

[fordy1967]

Just missed one: Targetmaster electronic powder trickler in custom made transport box | eBay

Saw that, he wanted £125 plus £10 postage.

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

I've got mine set up on 2 Argos marble chopping boards with the corners drilled to take hi-fi levelling spikes (basically rivnuts with pointy screws through them) to get the top plate level, then the scales and the beam unit are positioned against pieces of sticky back plastic or rubber feet.

The spirit level shown is an Air Ministry one dating from the mid-40's... and very accurate it is too.

Having the USB camera mounted level with the centre-point of the scale makes life so much easier... Allan 'tuned' the 5-10 scales, upgraded the pointer to a gramophone type needle and added the bracket to hold the camera.... simply a hole drilled for a rivnut, a thumbscrew, bit of bent alloy and the usb cameras are dirt cheap and plugged into the desktop.

It's a good idea to clean the balance pivots with lighter fuel to avoid any crap affecting the accuracy.





Cheers,

Fizz


Just had a quick look on eBay for the camera and this was the first item.... cheap n cheerful and probably up the the job... if it focuses close enough?

Webcam Full HD 1080P USB Web Camera For Apple Windows PC Desktop Laptop | eBay UK

1080p Full HD Webcam USB – Crystal-Clear Video for Every Occasion. 1x 1080p Full HD Webcam. Flexible Mounting Options – Easily clip the webcam to a laptop screen, desktop monitor, or tripod for versatile positioning.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Eddie P]

Hi all, Allan has ceased making these units, he sent me a full refund.

Just a heads up if anyone else was thinking of ordering one off his website. I’ll keep my eyes open for a secondhand one………

Stopped the trickler or just the custom sensor?