Anyone build a balance beam scale?

Dachshund · Jul 8, 2006

Or other types? I need a scale that goes to about 275# so that I can weigh my goats. I can't afford to buy one, so I have to build one. Anyone ever delved into one? I plan on using old window weights for counter-balance until I can get something that won't rust. I just need to build the "mechanism".

SPYDERLK · Jul 8, 2006

You can buy fish type pull scales up to at least 100lb cheap. Orient a 2x4"x8' board horizontally. Put a pivot on one end and suspend the other from the scale. Hang the goat 1/3 of the way between - - closest to the pivot. Goat weighs 3x the scale indication.
Larry

Farwell · Jul 8, 2006

Spend some time on Google using different search options and you might luck out. Used grain scales are some times available at garage sales and farm auctions. This type of scale could probably be modified to meet your needs.
Farwell

Egon · Jul 9, 2006

I take it this scale does not have to be attain Goverment accuracy standards.

Why not a teeter toter type with a few concrete blocks of known weight that can be stacked or moved along the board. Might have to build in a harness or cage at the one end to hold the goat.

Bathroom scale???

RobJ · Jul 9, 2006

You can buy what we called a cotton bale scale about anywhere. usually goes up to several hundred pounds.

Ford960 · Jul 10, 2006

Somewhere I read about using garage door springs as a scale. They stretch a certain amount based on the load applied.

CurlyDave · Jul 10, 2006

An ordinary bathroom scale usually goes to 300lb.

No the goat is not going to stand on it, but if you had a piece of plywood bridging two scales, you could add the weights and subtract the weight of the plywood. For an even better job, bridge three of them and if the goat is anywhere inside the triangle, you will get a good weight.

Cut holes in the plywood so you can read the scales.

Cowboyjg · Jul 10, 2006

I found this link for a 540# hanging scale. You could rig up a sling and either attach the scale to a pulley set up or a platform that lowers and raises or even by cable, suspend a walk board. For $129 I figured you could find some way to make it work. Anyway, there's my small contirbution. I hope it helps some.

Pooh_Bear · Jul 10, 2006

I built a balance beam scale once out of popsickle sticks.
It was extremely accurate for weighing small items.

Shouldn't be hard to scale it up to weigh heavier items.
I have no idea how I would convey the design to you.
It was mostly a "make it up as I go along" design.

Pooh Bear