Reading beam scales

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:51 pm Post subject: Reading beam scales

When I was having some difficulty reading beam scales when weighing powder charges while working at the reloading bench, an idea came to me. I worked in health care for many years and we often sold obsolete equipment or unneeded furniture. I was able to buy several adjustable overbed tables for a few dollars each. They work great for placing my beam scales at the right height for easy reading. All the best...
Gil

Vince · Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: Reading beam scales

That’s a damn fine idea Gil. I don’t have space for one of those “tables”. What I did was build a small stand, just big enough to take the scales and powder trickler, that raised my scales up about an extra 4” so I was looking straight at the scales when reading the charge weight, rather than trying to read them from an angle.

The stand also gave me some storage underneath for small sundry items.

PaulS · Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 11:04 pm Post subject: Re: Reading beam scales

I have seen some folks who set a light and a camera to read when the scale zeros.
This would require a screen or monitor to view the scale but you could also zoom in to get a magnified view. If you use a web cam then a computer will be required.
I have not yet found it to be necessary but I do have a laptop and a camera if it becomes necessary.

Elvis · Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 1:50 am Post subject: Re: Reading beam scales

my scales sit at eye height on a powder thrower stand...as I normally use lee dipper spoons the thrower doesnt get much use LOL. using the spoons yesterday doing some .308 loads...I was throwing within half a grain each time.piece of cake to trickle a touch in off side of spoon,I watch the bounce of scales and get good at working out when its going to be on zero hile its still moving. using spoon one size too big,I justtip out 95% of powder and trickle the rest in by tapping thumb knuckle with other hand.....

Bushmaster · Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Reading beam scales

My beam scale (RCBS 5-0-5) is under a cover on a shelf above my loading bench. I use a RCBS Powder Pro digital scale.