RCBS Scale Parts?

[frjeff]

I bought a used RCBS model 5-10 scale. It is perfect in all respects except for the bearings, which appear worn.
I contacted RCBS for new bearings but they replied that they no longer have parts for the long ago discontinued model and that I would “need to buy a buy a new scale.”
The new model (M500) has ceramic, not stone bearings.
Would they work in my older 5-10? Hate to trash a great old scale due to this ……

 

[LiveLife]

Agate stone bearings don't wear, just get dirty and they last multiple lifetimes.

They probably just need some cleaning along with the posts they "free float" on - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/best-balance-scale-available.864676/#post-11415433

How to clean/tune/zero your 5-0-5/10-10 beam scales:

- Remove the bearing covers with a Phillips screwdriver (see pictures below)​

- Make sure the posts the agate bearings free float on are clean​

- Clean the agate bearings, especially the "V" notches with alcohol​

- Re-install the covers​

- Clean the knife edges​

- Level the bench surface using a bubble level at 90 degrees​

- Turn HVAC/vent off and close the window/door to the room as any ambient air movement will affect scale reading/zero​

- Place the powder pan on the pan support​

- Set poises to zero​

- Adjust the leveling foot so the pointer is at the zero line​

Ohaus 10-10 knife edge on agate stone bearing with cover on and off

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

New to me Dillon Eliminator (Built by Ohaus to 5-0-5 specs) clean up and zero - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-to-me-dillon-eliminator-beam-scale.913581/

Agate stone bearings "free float" on round posts and any dirt/residue/build up that can interfere with free movement of the agate bearings can bind the knife edge of the beam and affect return to zero.

Here are the dirty agate bearings and covers

And dirty posts

After cleaning with alcohol

Clean agate bearings and covers

Knife edges cleaned

After cleaning, scale verified Troemner 50 grains down to 0.5 gr check weights and returned to zero consistently

 

[frjeff]

Agate stone bearings don't wear, just get dirty and they last multiple lifetimes.

They probably just need some cleaning along with the posts they "free float" on - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/best-balance-scale-available.864676/#post-11415433

How to clean/tune/zero your 5-0-5/10-10 beam scales:

- Remove the bearing covers with a Phillips screwdriver (see pictures below)​

- Make sure the posts the agate bearings free float on are clean​

- Clean the agate bearings, especially the "V" notches with alcohol​

- Re-install the covers​

- Clean the knife edges​

- Level the bench surface using a bubble level at 90 degrees​

- Turn HVAC/vent off and close the window/door to the room as any ambient air movement will affect scale reading/zero​

- Place the powder pan on the pan support​

- Set poises to zero​

- Adjust the leveling foot so the pointer is at the zero line​

Ohaus 10-10 knife edge on agate stone bearing with cover on and off

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

New to me Dillon Eliminator (Built by Ohaus to 5-0-5 specs) clean up and zero - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-to-me-dillon-eliminator-beam-scale.913581/

Agate stone bearings "free float" on round posts and any dirt/residue/build up that can interfere with free movement of the agate bearings can bind the knife edge of the beam and affect return to zero.

Here are the dirty agate bearings and covers

And dirty posts

After cleaning with alcohol

Clean agate bearings and covers

Knife edges cleaned

After cleaning, scale verified Troemner 50 grains down to 0.5 gr check weights and returned to zero consistently

Excellent help to me. Thanks.

 

[Ranger99]

Agate stone bearings don't wear, just get dirty and they last multiple lifetimes.

They probably just need some cleaning along with the posts . . . .

^ ^ ^ ^ this ^ ^ ^ ^

Best to invest in some covers for
press, scale, powder measure, etc.
to exclude dust and debris from
your valuable tools.
I also use shop rags to cover the
things that I don't have a specific
bought cover for
Need to buy a set a purpose built
check weights as well. JMO- I
consider it an essential tool if
you're using any kind of scale

 

[Lefty38-55]

Awesome post there LiveLife! Way to help others out too!

 

[LiveLife]

Need to buy a set a purpose built check weights as well - I consider it an essential tool if you're using any kind of scale

Made in USA Troemner 0.5 gr - 200 gr ASTM Class 6 (10-200 gr SS/0.5-5 gr aluminum) check weight set $30 + free shpping

Ohaus 1 mg (0.015 gr) - 500 mg (7.7 gr) ASTM Class 6 (stainless steel) check weight set $67 + free shipping (Made in China)