stephsteph Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 i have a precision scale i use formixing glazes, but have long looked for a decent scale for measuring pounds of plaster or glaze materials for big batches. For plaster I have been using a regular old fashioned bathroom scale, which is adequate, but the 5 gallon bucket covers the numbers! Digital bathroom scalescan be problematic for the same reason. Even if they have a readout that is not obscured,many of them shut off after a few seconds, so adding material while the bucket is sitting on the scale is frustrating. You have to lift the bucket and set it down again each time more material is added. And with some of them you cannot tare the scale, i.e. compensate for the weight of the bucket. this hasn't been a huge priority,( as i am use to my sad old scale where i have to lift the bucket to see the numbers). I've been hoping to run a cross either a fine old metal scale with a balance beam style weight indicator (the old doctor office variety ) or a cast off from UPS or something. haven't found that yet but last week i was tickled to find this scale at a second hand store for $5 ,(a lot by second hand store standards, i know! ) not only can the bucket sit comfortable on it without hiding the numbers, but I can tare the scale (adjust for weight of the bucket ), AND the numbers are big enough to read while standing... woo hoo! sometimes the small things make for a great day!Stephani Stephensonhttp://www.revivaltileworks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmism Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Check your local craigslist for an old school platform scale. very accurate (can set a custom tare) and very easy to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 Steph, I did see several Fairbanks platform scales for sale near Houston. Considering where you are and your needs, I think your scale looks great! Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clay lover Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 Yes, sometimes it is the smallest victories that give the biggest boost! Love the 2nd hand stores, never know what you will find that you did not know you were looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 That looks like a great scale for a studio without much room I have seen them at estate sales next time I'm going to buy one. Right now I use a digital scale that has a large bowl with it that I bought at a closeout store for mixing big batches of glaze. I use to have a baby scale from a doctors office but I put something too heavy on it and broke it. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark369 Posted March 29, 2014 Report Share Posted March 29, 2014 Do not forget that you can place a "Wanted" add on craigslist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephsteph Posted March 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2014 I'm rural, so there aren't too many sources for stuff,(or major craigslist activity ) that aren't 60 miles away, so to find a bargain nearby, cheap, light and pretty accurate was great!! i love those old platform scales and always hoped i'd run across one. on the other hand we used a big one when i worked at a RAM press studio, and i could barely move the thing. so now that i am in a smaller studio , weight and size do matter!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I have a large platform scale as in the above photo on platform scales. I use this outside for large over 60# shipments to UPS I use a 1-60# scale in shop -its got a large dial (12 inch round) on front and flat top table on top-these are old and long gone but you can find them at antique stores sometimes. Mine was my mentors passed on as a gift.I use this for plaster and all clay measuring I use digital ohaus and from amazon a larger capacity digital in glaze room and shipping . Looks like I have about 6 scales or more now-oh well overkill again. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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