Broken RCBS 10-10 scale base

[metricmonkeywrench]

As a part of a trade deal I sight unseen I received this 10-10 scale. It is in perfect condition except for the scale base. Somewhere in its life something happened to the two rear pivot legs which are now missing. In their place a pair of washers were screwed on to provide the rear pivot point. Although the scale balances out well and is accurate with the check weights I'm not sure if the base is properly leveled and the washers are secure enough for long term use and don't want to side load the beams pivot points.
I did send an Email sent to RCBS Customer Svc, here is their reply:
"Unfortunately we have discontinued that particular scale and we no longer have any parts for it. Thanks for choosing RCBS and have a great day!"

Not wanting to let the scale go I have basically two courses of action, either attempt to reconstruct the feet with a more permanent repair or attempt to locate a replacement base which appears to be a longshot at this point.
Has anyone attempted this kind of repair to save a scale?

 

[Jack222]

I have one . I can give you the dimensions if you need them. The feet stick down 3/8 of an inch. I think you could do better than the original shade tree mechanic.

 

[mikld]

The "fixer" showed showed ingenuity, but it does look like a "Bubbed" job. I think I'd fabricate some feet, slotted bars (mebbe 1/2" x 1/8" thick x 2"-3" long) and bolt/screw the feet onto the frame and use a level to adjust the feet to get a level base. Have you removed the washers and checked to see if the base will level by resting on the frame?

 

[iPac]

I have a 10-10, and the leveling is done from the opposite end via the adjustment knob.

So are the little "legs" really even necessary?

I say this because on my bench, I cut divots into the tabletop specifically for those 2 legs and the opposite side adjustment foot, so my scale can't move and "pops" into place when I bring it out. The scale pretty much sits flush on my bench because of it, and I use the leveling knob to even it out each time I go to load. Never had a problem.

 

[Nevada Ed]

A. 2 bolts w/nuts of size of your liking.
super glue nut to base. Bolts set to level out the unit.

or

B. Soft pine or Balsa wood cut to fit inside the unit and extend
the needed 3/8" as the old legs did.

if you can't find the replacement parts.

 

[metricmonkeywrench]

Food for thought from all. I tried just setting it on the base, but the poise is far enough off thst i would have to mess with the pan base weights to get some wiggle room for fine tuning on the poise

A buddy of mine has the same scale so I can get all the dimensions.

I'm leaning towards a H type aluminium structure that I can cut out with a hacksaw and fine tune with a Dremel as soon as I can find a donor block of material. I'm really hoping someone has already done a magic fix already that they want to share.

 

[muddocktor]

Instead of those washers he used that have a much too big hole in them for the screw he attached them with, go to the hardware store or Lowes or Home Depot and buy a couple of fender washers with the correct hole diameter in the center to match up with your screws he used to attach them with. Fender washers are a large diameter washer like he used and they make them with various hole ID's to fit different diameter screws.

 

[Steve912]

You zero it out before use, using the threaded leg at the other end. Doc's suggestion on fender washers will look better, and work just as good as what you have now, and the original tabs.

 

[metricmonkeywrench]

Guess I didn't mention the screw holes are not even aligned well to add to the fun, the washers have file notches in them to even them out so the Buba holes will need to be abandoned. Though it is an option I want to try and do something better than washers

 

[socal s&w]

What about a round wooden dowel of the correct dimension? Or a 'vee' cut block of wood with the vee at the bottom for the fulcrum? Maybe some little model car plastic wheels? (I suppose if they didn't work well for the need you could play tow it around your benchtop with a play tractor....) Or how about using some metal drawer knobs?

 

[rwsmith]

I agree that without too much work....

There need be no moving parts. You can come up with a number of ideas to do a job that is less likely to change.

 

[Jack222]

Fender washers with the correct size hole just a tad bigger for adjustment. Adjust and tighten and then epoxy them for no movement ever.

 

[mtgianni]

At this point I would make sure I had a good set of scale weights.

 

[gwpercle]

Sometimes the easy fix is the best fix.
There is nothing wrong with the way "Bubba" repaired it , it will work just fine.....being more concerned with function than form , I would just use it as is.
On second thought, two nice brass washers and brass nuts and bolts would have it looking just dandy .
And the legs are adjustable, unlike the original !

Gary
aka Bubba

 

[Enigma]

Did you contact Ohaus directly to check for parts or advice? RCBS didn't actually make these scales; Ohaus just branded them as RCBS and made them green. Lyman also had an identical scale, except for the branding.

 

[muddocktor]

Did you contact Ohaus directly to check for parts or advice? RCBS didn't actually make these scales; Ohaus just branded them as RCBS and made them green. Lyman also had an identical scale, except for the branding.

Evidently you didn't read through his first post. He clearly stated he contacted RCBS and they replied that they no longer have parts for the scale. And I also looked at Ohaus too and they don't offer a scale like the good old 1010 any more either. I guess Ohaus quit having them built in China.

 

[Skeet 028]

As stated I would use it as it is. Maybe the suggestion to change to brass washers etc. Pretty still matters some. I picked up the same scale last month. except Ohaus brand. Paid 3 dollars for it..cover was broken but for 3 bucks?? I also have 5 brand new in the boxes RCBS 10-10s. A store was closing them out.

 

[H Richard]

I've been using a 10-10 for over 30 years. The back feet are just a pivot point, and the leveling adjustment is at the other end. if you are worried about front to back level, you could adjust the level with the washers (not the best but will work). I keep a round bubble level sitting on mine all the time, as workbenches aren't level every where.

 

[Skeet 028]

I keep a round bubble level sitting on mine all the time, as workbenches aren't level every where.

^^^^^ This is a good idea

 

[LoboGunLeather]

My 50-plus year old Ohaus 10-10 has never been modified in any way and continues to function admirably under any conditions as long as I do my part properly.

My take on the OP's photo is that someone tried to "improve" the scale by grinding off the base supports at the balance beam side, then someone (perhaps the original Bubba, maybe a later Bubba) effected a repair effort by recreating the base supports using washers and screws. Bottom line is this: as long as the scale base is properly leveled and remains stable in use there should be no problems.

An accurate set of scale weights will determine whether or not the existing fix is sufficient to produce accuarate and repeatable results.