Leveling scales

[Colt sr]

What is everyone using to verify their scales are level? Was thinking of getting a 6 foot level from lowes.

 

[JGR32]

Or harbor freight

 

[flattop1]

Thats the easiest way .
Water level , if used properly is likely more accurate.

 

[original]

if you want to be sure you are level put the kart on the scales weigh it then turn the kart around put the right front where the lr was weigh it if all the numbers match you are level been doing it that way for 45 years

 

[racing promotor]

a water level works good for this.

 

[CarlsonMotorsports]

Depending on the surface you're set up on, place some pieces of 2X12 under each of the scale feet so they don't sink into the ground. This also will take into account any variations under the wood (rock, pebble, etc.) If you want, paint and label these pieces of wood for each corner and be consistent about where, and which direction, you place them each time you use them.
Check front to rear with your level, then side to side, adjusting as you go. Final check diagonals and you should be spot on.
FWIW, a good straight edge level can be very helpful at the track for quick alignment checks and setting toe as well. I love my laser aligner deal, but my level and aging eyesight have not failed me yet.


-----
🏁Thanks and God bless,
Brian Carlson
Carlson Racing Engines
Vector Cutz
www.CarlsonMotorsports.com
Carlson Motorsports on Facebook
www.youtube.com
34 years of service to the karting industry ~ 1Cor 9:24
Linden, IN
765-339-4407
bcarlson@CarlsonMotorsports.com

 

[Kj26]

Depending on the surface you're set up on, place some pieces of 2X12 under each of the scale feet so they don't sink into the ground. This also will take into account any variations under the wood (rock, pebble, etc.) If you want, paint and label these pieces of wood for each corner and be consistent about where, and which direction, you place them each time you use them.
Check front to rear with your level, then side to side, adjusting as you go. Final check diagonals and you should be spot on.
FWIW, a good straight edge level can be very helpful at the track for quick alignment checks and setting toe as well. I love my laser aligner deal, but my level and aging eyesight have not failed me yet.


-----
🏁Thanks and God bless,
Brian Carlson
Carlson Racing Engines
Vector Cutz
www.CarlsonMotorsports.com
Carlson Motorsports on Facebook
www.youtube.com
34 years of service to the karting industry ~ 1Cor 9:24
Linden, IN
765-339-4407
bcarlson@CarlsonMotorsports.com

Wood doesn't work very well as it condenses with weight.

 

[Colt sr]

Setting up on my concrete garage floor. Do not have scale stands as I have not been able to find any good ones used. Using older intercomp sw650 corded scales.

 

[LynnRacing]

When I leveled my scales I used a 6' level , I also started setting the level diagonally first LF to RR and RF to LR back and forth a few times, always to me seemed easier than chasing it trying to level left to right and front to rear....once I leveled diagonally it is level everwhere.....I also would set a shorter digital level on top of the 6' bubble level to conform level

 

[flattop1]

Setting up on my concrete garage floor. Do not have scale stands as I have not been able to find any good ones used. Using older intercomp sw650 corded scales.

You need to shim them then .
Either top or bottom. Top would be easiest except the zeroing part could have an effect .
Whatever is used needs to be stiff enough too not flex or compress . Building a stand of 2/4's on edge would be simple enough .

 

[Colt sr]

You need to shim them then .
Either top or bottom. Top would be easiest except the zeroing part could have an effect .
Whatever is used needs to be stiff enough too not flex or compress . Building a stand of 2/4's on edge would be simple enough .

I was going to shim with steel plates under if need be. I have anywhere from 1/16"-1/2" steel I can cut for shims.

 

[CarlsonMotorsports]

Wood doesn't work very well as it condenses with weight.

Works considerably better at dispersing the psi of the small feet on scale stands on gravel or grass pit areas is my point.

 

[flattop1]

Works considerably better at dispersing the psi of the small feet on scale stands on gravel or grass pit areas is my point.

As always set up and attention to details is the key.

 

[Colt sr]

Works considerably better at dispersing the psi of the small feet on scale stands on gravel or grass pit areas is my point.

When I get a scale stand and decide to take scales to the track I was thinking about the pucks used for motorcycle kickstands under the feet. Would this work?

 

[Surveyor]

Going back to checking the level flipping the level you should get the same answer or your level is bad. And take your hand off it to read or you will be flexing it. Not being smart, it seemed like I was not putting any weight on it.

 

[CarlsonMotorsports]

When I get a scale stand and decide to take scales to the track I was thinking about the pucks used for motorcycle kickstands under the feet. Would this work?

I'm not sure what those are like, but as long as they are solid they should be fine.