Balance scales.

[Laurie]

Hello.
I'm looking inot getting some scales and found these in Argos.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0151959.htm

What do you think??

Just one more thing. Obviously I'd need to somehow attach a perch to it, but after that would I need to re-balance the scales themselves as the perch would be lighter than the weighing scoop.

Cheers all.

[Barry]

Laurie, Check with Sparrie, I think he had a pair like that, maybe Andy Younger did too. They are OK but very light and easily fall over. The weighing span is short so they bounce about a bit too, so it's hard to get a accurate balance. For a small bird I gues they are Ok as a scale on a budget, but look for something heavier in second hand shops.

Barry.

[StormRider]

You want to go digital mate. Or you could use the same as what I have converted. They give so much more of an accurate measurement and they are quicker to use.
STU

[Bash]

I've always found balance scales that are weights and measures stamped are the most reliable and accurate. Always much better than digital.

I would also recommend that you buy an old shop scale rather than a new one from Argos.

Some kitchen suppliers sell some really good and accurate scales new or you can go to a flee market and pick one up for a couple of quid. Always make sure that the weights are stamped by weights and measures.

[FreeFlight]

Here we use digital scales cause there're not other kinds of scales in the market.
the thing that we usually to do is to have a 100g piece so you can see if the scale is well calibrated.

Regards!!!

[Tarqers]

try somthing like this takes the hard work out of weighing a young bird,,,,tarqs

[StormRider]

I've always found balance scales that are weights and measures stamped are the most reliable and accurate. Always much better than digital.

I would also recommend that you buy an old shop scale rather than a new one from Argos.

Some kitchen suppliers sell some really good and accurate scales new or you can go to a flee market and pick one up for a couple of quid. Always make sure that the weights are stamped by weights and measures.
Weights and measure stamp mean nothing unless the scales are brand new or they have been calibrated. The calibration of a digital set can be done by yourself quite easily at no cost. I also have another digital set that are converted from a set of postal scales. They are dead accurate and although small in size are very stable on the bench. I have weighed EEO on them quite easily.
STU

[BrianM]

i got a set of ben long salter scales for xmas they are the dogs danglies

[Bash]

Weights and measure stamp mean nothing unless the scales are brand new or they have been calibrated. The calibration of a digital set can be done by yourself quite easily at no cost. I also have another digital set that are converted from a set of postal scales. They are dead accurate and although small in size are very stable on the bench. I have weighed EEO on them quite easily.
STU

Weights and measures stamped weights mean everything on any scales. They give you accurate weight of your bird and allow you too weight anywhere else if you needed to. The only calibration they need is a flat surface? Pretty easy really?

You have to pay through he nose for an accredited and certified digital set. If you do it on the cheap with most digital scales I see then your running a risk in my opinion. Batteries run out, they don't calibrate accuratly each time you reset them. Your playing russian roulette with the weight of your bird.

I would agree that old postal scales would be pretty good but I have seen some use pretty bad ones. I would say that any from Argos (from the original thread starter) whether balance or digital, would not do the job.

If you don't have the money to buy a good digital set, then stick with the balance scales.

[Sparrie]

Laurie.

I used a similar set and as Barry says they are quite light and was wobbly. The weights were also out at least 1/2 ozs over 1 lb 9 ozs that my bird weighed. I have just managed to get hold of a set of old potato scales from my mother in laws shop so I am well chuffed. I spent fifty quid on **** ones ( they will now belong to the wife for the kitchen and I will use my free heavy ones once they have been altered.

Gary.

[OutFlying]

Bash,
You are partially right, a scale that is "fit" or "approved" for trade are the best. The stamp by weights and measures is applied when testing calibration on the scales initial use and needs reappplying when a component which could affect the accuracy is change. A scale could have its calibration checked without the stamp being affected and finally if the calibration isn't checked then the stamp might not be valid as to the scales accuracy. The stamp only means it has legal approval for the use of selling by weight - it does not guarantee the accuracy whilst in use unless checked regulary.

All scales need the cailibration checking. I wouldn't weight cake ingrediants on the argos type or Ben Long type.

I stamp and verify weighing systems for a living.

Yours Jim.

[Hacker]

1.Fill fish tank with measured amount of water
2.plug in electric dog clipping shears
3.go get your bird
4.clip off all feathers
5.plunge bird bodily & totally underwater into fish tank
6.mark on tank new water level
7.remove bird to warm place to dry
8.measure water displacement
9.look up weights and measures & calculate volume/weight conversion
10.works everytime & teaches your bird the technique of diving
11.handy for duck hawking
12.make sure he/she washes under wingpits

[OutFlying]

make sure you know the specific gravity and temperature of the water used ;-)

or just buy some decent "trade" approved scales.

Jim.

[Tarqers]

Bash,
You are partially right, a scale that is "fit" or "approved" for trade are the best. The stamp by weights and measures is applied when testing calibration on the scales initial use and needs reappplying when a component which could affect the accuracy is change. A scale could have its calibration checked without the stamp being affected and finally if the calibration isn't checked then the stamp might not be valid as to the scales accuracy. The stamp only means it has legal approval for the use of selling by weight - it does not guarantee the accuracy whilst in use unless checked regulary.

All scales need the cailibration checking. I wouldn't weight cake ingrediants on the argos type or Ben Long type.

I stamp and verify weighing systems for a living.

Yours Jim.
who cares if your scales are calabrated if they weigh the same item each month and its the same weight, your scales work,whats more who cares if them scales tell you your bird is 2lb 2oz when its actually 2lb 1oz, using some
weights you boys got from the minister for acurate meathod of messurement,
dont waste the blokes money,,,,,tarqs

[Shaun]

Took me a while to work out how to attach and resize my photo's!
This is how I've set up my scales for weighing my female Harris.
Have attached them to a wooden bottom to stop any chance of the bird flying away with them. I've cut a small hole in the base to allow me to change the batteries!! The piece of wood with the astro-turf on top is loose so if the bird goes the scales stay put.

[James_Falconry1]

Id never use spring type postal scales as i have been told the spring can stretch and the readings get worse.

I use a set of very old AVERY balance scales converted from a grocers. Brilliant and i recon they will out last me and im only 19 and they where used by a falconer before me for about 10-15 years then before that as their original use in a grocers.

I go balance everytym the best with good weights that have a stamp and you have tested urself.

Jimmy

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Avery are one of the few people that make/made decent Balance scale's
There is a guy on ebay (Scaleycritter i think) who renovates & converts these for use with falconry although he does sell argos digital as well he usually has an avery up once a week.. I have seen a set of his converted Avery scales very good..