Last weekend I decided to finally invest in a digital postal scale for the accurate weighing of gear. Prior to that, all I’ve had is a small kitchen scale that I use for weighing herbs. It was inaccurate (and not digital, so reading its inaccurate measure was always a trick that invariably introduced further inaccuracies) and weighed only up to 16 oz.
The scale I’ve replaced it with is an Ultraship #35 shipping scale. In addition to having a digital display, it’s also able to weigh in ounces, grams, pounds, and kilograms. It’s accurate to 0.1 oz, which is good enough to me. The #35 in the product name signifies that it can weigh up to 35 lbs (they also have #55 and #75 models). The display bit can actually separate from the scale bit, which is a nifty feature when weighing over-sized items. The scale only cost $25 (including shipping). I bought it on eBay from OldWillKnottScales.
I received the scale this morning. I’ve started a database of weights of individual pieces of gear using Google Docs, which I’ve published for anyone to view. I’ll add to the document as I weigh more gear.
Two curiosities:
1. Are you weighing gear for checking baggage on flights? Or some other reason?
2. Have you thought about getting a merchant account, (or maybe pay-pal sellers account?) and having a website to sell gear/kit? Maybe you and Avagdu could work together?
No, not for flights. I’m weighing gear so that I know how much weight I’m carrying and in what department I could cut down on those weights. I like to travel light.
I’ve never considered selling gear before. I don’t want to start a business that requires me to build an inventory of physical goods. That would necessitate that I stay sedentary. I also don’t know that the tubes need another retailer. There’s plenty of good websites out there selling stuff.
you are the most detailed mo-fo i know…..
inspiring. :)
You’re somewhat of an expert, and there’s always the option of drop shipping.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_shipping
Tim Ferris’ ‘Four Hour Work Week’ has been very influential on me. And I was just throwing the idea out there. :)
Thanks, I’ll be checking that database for reference in my future setups.