Hello all, Gem scales have multiple uses - especially during
inventory time. I cringe when thinking about counting all those
tiny beads, findings, etc. Weighing surely helps me speed things
up. Yep, a scale is necessary to prevent mental anguish. This
brings me to my query - what about standardization? My day job
involves use of various pieces of technical analytical equipment.
We routinely standardize the equipment to verify accuracy, and make
adjustments to restore accurate measurement. How does the Orchid
group approach standardization of scales? Thanks ever so, Judy in
Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936
We routinely standardize the equipment to verify accuracy, and
make adjustments to restore accurate measurement. How does the
Orchid group approach standardization of scales? Thanks ever so,
Judy in Kansas
G’day Orchidians; I personally have a set of (second hand)
analytical balance weights to 0.005grams. Not only do I use these to
standardize my ‘scales’ but I actually built a simple weighing device
based upon a ‘soft’ spring and a null weighing method.
I place the item to be weighed on the (disposable aluminium foil)
pan and this moves a needle away from a mark. A dial which is part of
a small drum has a fine filament which pulls the spring down, and the
dial is rotated until the needle again reaches the mark. The weight
is read off the dial which is calibrated against the analytical
weights. A null system of measurement such as this is very accurate.
Ohaus make a weighing device based on this principle. Haven’t got a
set of accurate weights to calibrate and test your weighing device? A
laboratory (school, University, industrial) or another jeweller,
goldsmith or even a retired gold prospector might be pleased to help
here. Gold prospector? Not so silly as it sounds: you’d find a
set of gold scales in one house in about 20 on the West Coast of the
South Island of New Zealand. – Cheers for now,
John Burgess; @John_Burgess2 of Mapua Nelson NZ
Dear John, Perhaps weighing a coin, as most coins are +/- about 1
grain difference just for a quick check. Sincerely, James