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Posted: 7/3/2008 10:13:30 AM EDT
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I have been doing a bunch of loads with my Dillon Eliminator beam scale and was wondering about something. In the picture, I was trying to find out the threshold that the area depicted indicates: +-.1 gn, +- 1 gn etc. I was wondering because sometimes when I try to zero the scale it will set about 1/32 of an inch below the zero line when the leveler foot is screwed all the way in. I am trying to see exactly where I stand, whether I might be off by .05 gn or .1 gn or something. As you can see in the picture, it sits about 1/32 above the zero mark on this surface. As always, thanks guys. 
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Not sure I quite understand the issue. If you want to know what .1 grain above or below the tick mark looks like, I’d think you could simply zero the scale, then move the counterbalance up and down .1 and see how much that moves the beam. Don’t know if that would be especially accurate, but it should give an idea of what’s involved. If your problem is that you can’t get the scale zeroed because the leveling screw bottoms out too soon, simply try the scale on a different surface, or shim it, or (if you’re absolutely sure that’s a problem) file the bottom end of the leveling screw a smidgen to line things up. Incidentally, it’s best to look at the scale straight on from the side, not angled as in your photo. Hope this helps. |
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I have the same beam scale as yours. From time to time I have a nagging problem of the line on the beam end not pointing on the zero line mark when I calibrate. I would do a couple of things with making sure that I'm not close to a magnetic source and I would slightly bump down the pan (twice after it stopped moving) while still attached to the beam to see if the beam end would point to the zero line after calibration. I also make sure the pivot area where the beam is in contact with the main body of the scale is clean. Hope that helps. |
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Make sure your scale is on a level surface and pivot points are clean. Take the part that the pan sits on, off the scale. This 2 piece part has lead shot inside, used to tune your scale. Unscrew the screw over a pan to catch shot that falls out. You will need to take away or add shot to tune. Place adjustment screw on scale midway in it's adjustment. Adjust amount of shot until scale is on 0 with an empty pan. This is a trial and error process, but not hard to do. Now your scale will zero properly. Every time you use a scale, check the zero, especially if you move it. |
| I know it's not science, but a piece of paper cut to 5/16" square weighs approximately .1 grain. This is advertised with the Lee Safety Scale. I tried it for kicks with the Lee Safety Scale because I was wondering the same thing you are, how much variation will put the beam at maximum deflection. The 5/16" paper moved the scale significantly, near maximum deflection. I then tried the same thing with a smaller piece of paper (can't remember exact dimension or weight) but I believe it was supposed to be 1/20th grain and the scale still moved enough to be noteworthy PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS TO CALIBRATE YOUR SCALE AS IT IS FAR FROM EXACT.. But it will give you an idea of what it takes to move the scale in the sweep that you describe. |
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Clean that beam! The beam, pan, and counterweights should be as perfectly clean as possible to accurately weigh your charges. The difference may not be much in any one measurement, but a few differences here or there can add up to a big difference without you noticing. If the zeroed beam doesn't point to the indicator line, even with the leveling foot screwed in or out all the way, then the surface you have it on is way out of level. At zero, the beam WILL be level, so adjust both the scale base and if necessary the surface it's on to match. |
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Check this out....... After you're done cleaning the scale. And, IF it still doesn't line up and IF you're are the end of the adjustment screw. Try dis-assembly of the pan. In my RCBS pan, I found BBs in there. So, set the screw back to a mid point. Then, depending on the situation, you could try adding or subtracting a couple of BBs. Don't forget to re-calibrate it. Re-checking the scale to get the lines to line up. ____________________________________________ I figure the magnetic dampener has something to do with it. ____________________________________________ YMWV, but it worked for me. Aloha, Mark PS.....BTW, even an DIGITAL elec. scale from Dillon has a claimed accuracy to .1 grain. www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/25213/catid/7/D_Terminator_Electronic_Scale |
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