Look at this old Redding scale, tell me what I'm doing wrong

[bigoledude]

One of our members sent this old Redding scale to me for shipping only.  My sons were so fired-up to get this scale, they, like little kids, tore into the package.  My fear is they lost something.  I have crawled around the floor looking for something that may have fallen out with no luck.

This old scale is in perfect shape and, I am sorta goofy when it comes to old stuff.  They might very well inherit this old scale but, I'll never give it up.

As you can see in the pics, the scale is bottomed out (light) where it should be resting on "zero".  I have both adjustable weights on zero and it sits heavily on the bottom.

I'm sure the fix is simple and I'm gonna feel really stupid.  But, I couldn't care less if I can get this girl weighing stuff!

https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale001.jpg
https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale003.jpg
https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale009.jpg
https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale004.jpg
https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale005.jpg
https://www.gboreloaded.com/mhp/images/bigoledude/reddingscale010.jpg

If I added a washer between the two calibration nuts that would bring the scale to zero, would the scale then be accurate?   

[jedman]

  I have this same exact scale and from what I can see in the pics you have the small balance tab way to the left near the 5 grain notch.
I dont see anything missing ? With both of the balance weights set in the zero position  you shold be able to zero it with the nuts and the screw adjustment on the left side of the base.
If you needed to add a washer between the nuts, that would be OK I guess as long as it balances at zero.
The only thing elsa that I notice is your powder pan has a slightly different shape than mine ?  Maybe the pan is the wrong one for this scale and a little heavy ?
       Good Luck,   Jed

[Mikey]

You have the smaller balance tab on the 5 grain mark.  The larger scale is for 5 grains of powder or more, hence 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc.  The smaller tab is for anywhere from .1 grains to 5 grains.  You have the smaller tab sitting on the five grain mark.

Pull those nuts off the balance end and put the small tab on the farthest left, or lowest weight mark.  Also, straighten out that tab - pair of flat pilers should do it for you.

If, after you have straightened the smaller tab and moved the smaller tab to the lowest weight mark she still does not come to balance, then adjust you leveler screw (big screw all the way to the left of the scale) until she comes to balance at the zero weight mark with the pan and pan holder inplace. 

Then get reloadin'!  This one looks very similar to, and functions just like, my 44 y/o Ohaus Scale.  HTH.

[Smokin Joe]

bigoledude, the powder pan is missing. It goes on the "pan holder" and will add the weight you need.
 You can see it here:



Parts:

http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/spareparts.html

[Brithunter]

Darn it needs a clean. All that dust in the grooves will and does effect it. Once you clean the dust off it and set the small to zero and not the 5 grain mark it should be fine once you level it.

Funny how similar they are. I have an old set of CH scales that are very similar.