In my time working in laboratories, in different careers, balances seemed more and more integral to the work – just as scales/balances always have been in reloading. Working with true black powder, adding a powder charge by scooping it up with the case might have been OK (NOT that I’m advocating such a thing!) but smokeless powder is less forgiving. Pay attention to those weights!
Some years ago I received a 1/2-day class on testing asphalt, climbed on an airplane and flew to the middle east where I spent two straight months and a number of shorter return visits training and supervising the testing – yes testing – of asphalt! As in most testing labs, accurate weights are very important. Before this lab was up and running, I performed maintenance and cleaning on the main balance shipped earlier to the facility, then had to have an item of predetermined weight (commercial check weights just would not do) flown to me to show all was OK. YACK!
All of this is a preamble to saying when weighing, get the best, most accurate weights possible by taking the time to keep your balance or scale in the best condition. If none are included, it also is not a bad idea to purchase a reasonably priced set of check weight(s).
Many laboratories have polices regarding cleaning and maintenance of their balances, and most manufacturers provide their own guidelines but most of it is commonsense. Remember you are mostly working with gunpowder not sand and be careful.
Let’s look at the mechanical scales first. Read the op guide first. Set the balance on a flat, level, sturdy spot. Before each reloading session: wipe the powder/weighing pan clean; use compressed air to blow dust from the beam and base, and all other locations; pay attention to the notches on the beam, the pivot point and the magnetic beam area; and, finish by re-leveling the unit and slipping a freshly wiped check weight in the powder pan. Place any weight into the pan gently.
A clean brush may come in handy. Remember: Do not use oil or any lubricant anywhere! At the end of the session place a cover over the unit. Commercial ones are available but it only takes a minute to fashion one from cardboard and tape.
Electronic balance’ maintenance is somewhat different. It is important not to use compressed air. It’s remotely possible to wedge debris somewhere critical. As noted above, “Read the op guide first. Set it up on a flat, level, sturdy spot.” Before each reloading session: remove the balance’s primary weighing pan, wiping it clean with a dry or slightly dampened cloth (and then dry it); while the pan is removed, use a clean, small brush to sweep the area around and beneath balance pan clean; and, if necessary use a very slightly dampened cloth to wipe the balance’s exterior.
Return the primary pan to the balance. Clean the removable powder/weighing pan, weigh boat or whatever you are adding powder to. Be sure the balance is level. Finish up by – you guessed it – gently slipping a freshly wiped check weight on the pan. Cover the balance or its weigh pan with a cover or windshield when it is not in use.
Good practice for either version is to clean up any spills immediately and add any weight gently. Don’t treat the balances/scales roughly.
If you take good care of your balance and/or scale they will give you accurate weights – weights to bet your life or body parts on.
