Sponsored by the
Museum of Natural
Science, Louisiana State University
Date:
Tue, 5 Jan 1999 14:29:51 -0500
From: James Dean <Dean.JamesNMNH.SI.EDU>
Reply-To: Bulletin Board for Bird Collections and Curators
<AVECOL-Llistserv.lsu.edu>
Subject: Pesolas -Reply
We mostly
stopped using Pesola scales a few years ago (though we do have some older ones
around that occasionally get used) once we discovered some of the small battery
powered scales. Our first one is an Ohaus scale, which is about the size 5 x 5
inches square. It records up to 300 grams in 0.1 g increments and has proven
quite easy to use during preparation of specimens. It makes weighing small
birds much quicker. You also don't have to worry about the pesola spring
getting stretched out of tare. This scale has proven its worth on several trips
to the tropics.
We
recently bought two additional small scales. They are a little larger than a cigarette
pack so are quite light and portable. These scales weigh up to 250 grams, again
in 0.1 gram increments. The cost was about $150 form Forestry Suppliers.
For
measuring small birds during preparation these scales can't be beat. For bigger
birds we either use a triple beam balance (in the lab) or larger Pesola or
spring scales in the field.
James
Dean
Division of Birds, MRC-116 202-357-2051
Smithsonian Institution fax 202-633-8084
Washington, DC 20560-0116
web http://www.nmnh.si.edu/vert/birds
dean.james@nmnh.si.edu