How to Build a Digital Weight Scale

A digital weight scale is a very precise piece of equipment, so if you have important items which you need to weigh down to the last ounce, then you should consider building one of these scales for yourself. Most home-built scales are not as accurate as a digital scale, so if you want to make your own set of scales, then it might as well be a set of digital scales. There are many smaller types of digital weighing devices on the market, so if you are simply looking for something to weigh flour, then you should consider one of them. For a heavier item, you will need a larger scale.

Step 1 - Building the Digital Weight Scale

If you want to make a digital weight scale, then you will first need to obtain a small digital device, such as a small set of digital weight scales, from a pound shop. These devices can often be bought as novelties. When you have one, lay it down on a flat surface and remove the top. You will be able to see the digital screen, the motherboard and the power supply. Remove this from the bottom of the box. You now have the basic equipment with which to create your weight system.

Step 2 - Creating a Scale

You should then choose a light, but firm surface, such as a piece of tile, some thin board, or a piece of plastic. Cut this to a suitable size, and then place the sensors from your digital weight scales on the under side of the item. You now have the beginnings of your digital weight scale. Take the digital screen, and attach this to the top of the board, either by gluing it to the top and trailing wires down the outside, or by making a hole in the surface and placing the screen into the hole.

Step 3 - Building a Box

When you are ready, take the power supply and the motherboard, and place these onto a piece of lumber. You may wish to glue the electrical pieces to the lumber. Now take 4 pieces of short lumber, and construct a low box out of them. Take another 4 pieces of wood, and make them into a square slightly larger than the outside of the box you have just made. Glue this square to the underside of your digital board.

Step 4 - Adding Pressure

Once the box is made, screw 2 large springs onto the middle of the box, and then lower the board on top of this. Fit your square section over the box edge, and then press it down so that the springs are pressurized. You should be able to make the board move up and down by stepping upon it, and if you cannot, then you should try tightening the springs until you can. Calibrate your digital screen so that it displays "00:00" when there is nothing pressing on the scale, and then test out the accuracy by stepping onto it.