Getting my v3 autotrickler and fx120i in a few days and trying to plan how I’m gonna set it up on my bench. You guys who are using it, are you using line conditioners? Anti vibration or static pads? What’s the best way to set this thing up to keep it accurate and drift free? I was thinking of mounting it independent of my bench on the wall with shelving brackets so I can seat bullets without disturbing the scale. Input on the ideal setup?
FX 120i Setup Help
- Thread starter Mnash
- Start date
I’ve got mine set up on an old roller cabinet (tool box).
The scale itself is on a marble cutting board alongside my old Sartorious scale that’s on a piece of marble floor tile.
I do run a line conditioner with it and the Sartorious.
I use a liquid detergent measuring cup/cap to cover the auto throw and the cap off a Redding powder hopper on the Trickler.
Edited to add: I never turn any of my electronic scales off.
The scale itself is on a marble cutting board alongside my old Sartorious scale that’s on a piece of marble floor tile.
I do run a line conditioner with it and the Sartorious.
I use a liquid detergent measuring cup/cap to cover the auto throw and the cap off a Redding powder hopper on the Trickler.
Edited to add: I never turn any of my electronic scales off.
Keep it simple
If you want to spend some cash, I'd get, at a minimum, the Area 419 cup and aluminum base for the trickler but you can go as crazy as you can afford.
- Store it inside
- Plug in in 30 minutes prior to using it
- Level it well
- Use a sturdy bench
- Calibrate before each use
If you want to spend some cash, I'd get, at a minimum, the Area 419 cup and aluminum base for the trickler but you can go as crazy as you can afford.
My bench isn’t that stable, it’s 2x4s and plywood and it’s on carpet so there’s a fair bit of movement when running the press, that’s why I’m thinking wall mounting on studs with some heavy duty shelf brackets might be my best bet
I have a separate desk set up for annealing and dropping powder. My bench has my presses and all the moving stuff on it.
The more stationary object are on the desk to keep it separate.
The more stationary object are on the desk to keep it separate.
Quick note, I also recommend the clear top but if you don't get the aluminum base for the powder drop, you will need to source new screws to attache the clear lid and powder drop. I went to my local RC car hobby shop and found a couple that work. Home Depot doesn't have anything small enough.
I have the new V3 combo kit and all I did was change to the clear lid I did not have to do anything else regarding screws ?
I think that’s because the new V3 has the aluminum dropper instead of the old plastic one. Different system. Did yours come with the new powder hopper as well?
Makes you wonder weather it’s really worth upgrading to the area 419 kit now that it comes with a better setup to start
As said previously, set it up inside (office maybe). It gets too hot here for me to feel comfortable leaving a $1k powder measuring system sitting out in a dusty garage.
If you have to keep it out in the garage, then yes, mount it independent of your loading bench.
ETA: And yes, some of the 419 stuff is still worth it.
If you have to keep it out in the garage, then yes, mount it independent of your loading bench.
ETA: And yes, some of the 419 stuff is still worth it.
I wouldn’t load outside in unconditioned space either, I do this to enjoy myself.
I tapped some holes in the coffee table and load on my couch. A few wing nuts and bolts and the press is on and off in a jiffy with no penalty but a few holes. Then everything goes back to the counter top instead of inside the empty cabinet because I don’t care that I can see it the rest of the time. But it could be stored (hidden) if someone were to bitch about it.
I tapped some holes in the coffee table and load on my couch. A few wing nuts and bolts and the press is on and off in a jiffy with no penalty but a few holes. Then everything goes back to the counter top instead of inside the empty cabinet because I don’t care that I can see it the rest of the time. But it could be stored (hidden) if someone were to bitch about it.
Regardless, the table doesn’t look too bad for it! And technically it’s in the closed in converted garage. But a/c, cushions, big screen tv and surround sound. It’s better than a looking at the plain wall of a sweat box... or god forbid listening to a podcast.
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Oh I get it. I used to have a similar set up 20 yrs ago. Somehow though, I don’t think my wife would allow it these days... ???
I have everything plugged into surge protector and sitting on my reloading bench. Only problems I experience is the sensitivity of the A&D scale. Can't run the fan when it's in use. For upgrades, I really like Area 419's clear lid. I also use Area 419's aluminum powder pan, scale tray, powder drop and powder nozzle. Never really like to reload precision loads. But the A&D Fx120i scale with Auto Trickler and Throw plus all the Area 419 bling makes for an enjoyable reloading experience.
I keep mine plugged in all the time. ( unless a thunder storm in the area)
Just turn on hour before loading. No line conditioner or surge protector
It sets on a granite slab. $40
Calibrate and good to go. It's in the basement, so no breeze or big fluctuations in temp.
I'm not sure how you do it, but load all your cases with powder first, then seat the bullets.
You won't worry about the bench moving, your scale is off or your done using it by then.
Keep it simple. It's a whole lot more accurate than your use to. It might drift .02-.04
if your in a hurry and don't do some of the things posted above.
Still better than .1 of most reloading scales. Damn think is accurate.
Just turn on hour before loading. No line conditioner or surge protector
It sets on a granite slab. $40
Calibrate and good to go. It's in the basement, so no breeze or big fluctuations in temp.
I'm not sure how you do it, but load all your cases with powder first, then seat the bullets.
You won't worry about the bench moving, your scale is off or your done using it by then.
Keep it simple. It's a whole lot more accurate than your use to. It might drift .02-.04
if your in a hurry and don't do some of the things posted above.
Still better than .1 of most reloading scales. Damn think is accurate.
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