I have a beam scale that I have not used for a long time, and want to start using it, however I do not remember what kind of oil that is supposed to be used. The scale is oil damping. Does any one know what kind of iol is used in these scales. Thank you for your help
Beam Scale
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ArchAngelCD
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IMO you should contact the manufacturer if the scale to be sure you get the correct information. You didn't tell up who made the scale.
jmorris
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Its been awhile since anyone made beam scales thet were oil dampened. Contacting a company (if its someone that is still in business) might be like contacting a car company and asking what weight oil you need to use in a zenith stromberg carburetor (likely not going to get an answer or even a guess, everyone that knew retired years ago)..
What is the make and model of the scale you have?
What is the make and model of the scale you have?
I have a Texan, bought in while i was in FT. hood in 69.
Leatherstocking
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I have a pic of the Redding instructions, but can’t figure out how to post it.
It says to fill the reservoir to 1/4 inch of the top with #30 motor oil or equivalent.
It says to fill the reservoir to 1/4 inch of the top with #30 motor oil or equivalent.
FROGO207
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I forget the brand of scale my grandfather had just now but I remember that he used 3 in 1 oil in his. I would think that any medium weight oil would work OK in it. Back then most of the population put their own oil in their car or lawn mower so a commonly used and already on hand oil would be what they would set it up for IMHO.The thicker the oil the faster it dampens the movement FWIW.
Allen One1
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I believe that 3 in 1 oil is 30 weight. Transmission oil is 10 weight. I would use what I had on hand but if I had to go out and buy it specifically for this scale I would look for a straight 30 weight oil.
Forget the oil.
1. Clean heck out of both bearing/surface contact point. Dry off w/ final Q-Tip.
2. (and this is the important part) As the scale is coming to rest, gently/repeatedly tap your finger on the table next to it to slightly vibrate things into final position
Very fast, and works all the time, everytime -- fully repeatable readings.
FWIW, I have three digitals and three beams -- the oldest beam being my simplest/most reliable 60-year old Texan used as discussed above. The RCBS 1500 and the Texan are my Go-To scales
1. Clean heck out of both bearing/surface contact point. Dry off w/ final Q-Tip.
2. (and this is the important part) As the scale is coming to rest, gently/repeatedly tap your finger on the table next to it to slightly vibrate things into final position
Very fast, and works all the time, everytime -- fully repeatable readings.
FWIW, I have three digitals and three beams -- the oldest beam being my simplest/most reliable 60-year old Texan used as discussed above. The RCBS 1500 and the Texan are my Go-To scales
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I have two, oil dampened scales. I use the lightest viscosity oil I have on hand, last time it was compressor oil. Mineral oil was recommended when these scales were popular and anything much heavier will slow the swing/centering way down...
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