proper draw weight measuring??

[bluegill68]

Freinds,

In Gary Davis’s DVD he mentions that he accounts for the physical weight of his scale by setting the pointer at the approximate weight of the scale. Does everyone else do this? It makes since to account for the physical weight of the scale since it is placing a tension on the bow string.

I have not done this in the past. So I may have been underestimating my draw weight by 4 lbs. ?

So what say you?

Sean

[Pat B]

Many scales have a zeroing knob to adjust for this. I went for years not knowing what that screw was for until Pappy told me he zeros his scale each time he weighs a bow.  Even with zeroing the scale my bows still come out 5#+ more than the indicated weight. 

[Del the cat]

Must admit I don't allow for the weight of the scale, but then a bow generally looses a few pounds over the first few months of shooting and I'd rather be a few pounds over than under.
I don't get too hung up on and tend to say things like 'It's a good 40#'
There's a fair bit of inaccuracy in measurement anyway, you only have to winch it back and wait a minute to see the pounds drop.
Also I don't always bother to zero the ruler to the back surface of the bow.
I expect the general accuracy is probbly plus or minus a couple of pounds at best, and probably more than that.
Del

[Badger]

  I kept showing up at the flight shoots with my bows about 3# heavy, stupid me I never considered the scale weighed almost 3#

[George Tsoukalas]

Yes you do have to account for the weight of the scale. I have a Hanson Hand Held Bow Scale which I attach to the rope of my pulley system. I hold the scale in my hand and the weight registers and holds.. Jawge

[Pappy]

Yep,I allow for the weight of the scale,mine is about 4 lbs. 
   Pappy

[George Tsoukalas]

To add...since I hold the scale in my hand I don't have to subtract its weight but if you hang the scale from the bow string you do. Jawge

[bluegill68]

Thanks for the replies.