On a Scale of 0.01 to 10



If you've ever tried to weigh something as light as dried calendula petals, you'll appreciate what's going on in this picture.

Meet my latest digital scale. Not only does it measure from as low as 0.01 grams to a maximum of 300 grams, but it fits neatly into a pocket or purse.

That's pretty accurate, and pretty darn handy.



Good as Gold

It was through an friend that I came across this particular iphone-sized scale that is used in the jewellery business. It was love at first sight, and it wasn't long before this handy lille beauty was being tested.


Weigh a Few Petals? Sure!

The 17 petals of dried calendula on the scale above weigh a mere 0.05 grams. That's 5 hundredths of a gram.

This new bit of kit has inspired me to try downsizing a few of my formulas. Being able to make extremely accurate smaller test batches opens up new possibilities – like being able to correctly measure out ingredients to make a single lipstick.

A single lipstick!

One!

Can you tell I'm a bit giddy about my new 'toy'?

Calling all Cosmetics Suppliers

I can't help wondering why cosmetics ingredients suppliers don't carry items like this? Why must we find it from jewellery making suppliers?

Comments

Boony said…
That's so cool!

(always glad to see evidence of gadget-obsession in family members besides myself.)
Signe said…
I bought one too some time ago (not exactly the same scale), and now my only problem is that my hand is not quite accurate and stable than my scale is! ;D
LisaLise said…
Teehee Signe! Nothing to do but keep practicing! :)
LisaLise said…
Boony - Yes, it's utter coolness to the umpth degree! :)
Anonymous said…
Could you share where you got it? I have been looking for something like this FOREVER! Does it do other units of measure......ounces etc?
JNC
Signe said…
Anonymous, I bought mine from newfrog.com and it has other units too - and it cost only 12 dollars! :)
p said…
I have a scale that goes down to 0.01 g as well, and man oh man, it's my most prized possession! Mine's an old lab scale that my Dad salvaged -- goes up to 2 kg! -- and it's helped me so much as a formulator. It's wonderful to be able to make micro batches and know that your experimental formula can be meaningfully scaled up if it's a success. Ah, significant figures! <3 <3 <3 my scale. :)
LisaLise said…
JNC - check Signe's comment for a supplier! Thanks Signe!
LisaLise said…
Hey there p - Now I'm totally envious that you have a lab scale that goes all the way up to 2 kg - that's what I call an all around useful scale!
Anonymous said…
Thanks so much for the info. This will be my next purchase. JNC
LisaLise said…
JNC - do let me know how it goes. Prepare to be addicted to your scale! :D
Anonymous said…
I got my scale! �� happy dance! What a difference when I am making lotions etc. now all I need is a small stick blender.......anybody ever see one of these? When I am blending small amounts the kitchen ones are too big! ��
Thanks for all the tips. Love you gals across the sea.
JNC
LisaLise said…
Hi JNC - Great! As to the small stick blender, have you considered using one of the handheld devices used for frothing milk for coffees? I usually work by hand for my emulsions, so I'm afraid I'm not much help here..
Anonymous said…
Lise......I have wondered about one of the frothers but didn't know if it would have enough power. Guess I will have to try it and let you know how it works. JNC
Anonymous said…
Lise......I have wondered about one of the frothers but didn't know if it would have enough power. Guess I will have to try it and let you know how it works. JNC
Unknown said…
Hi Lise,

Thank you for this very timely and useful tip. Could you please say more about how the gravity would effect the measurements to increase the blend of a recipe? i.e., if a recipe calls for 6 drops of EO for a small batch and you want to 5X the recipe, what precautions should be taken not to over use the EO. ...or is it as simply as maintaining the ratios of EO's and other ingredients in the recipe by weight?

Best,
Jess
LisaLise said…
Hey there Jess - If you know precisely what each oil in your blend weighs, you can upscale the batch easily. You could try weighing 20 drops of each oil you use, then calculate the exact weight of each.
Example: say 20 drops of lavender weighs 0.5 grams. That means each drop weighs 0.025 grams.
If your small batch has 6 drops, then you know the lavender weighs 0.15 grams.
Best of luck with it! :)