Projects / Desk Load-Cell Scale
Desk Load-Cell Scale
Build a desk scale on a laser-cut 3mm birch plywood platform: load cell, HX711 amplifier, and Arduino firmware with tare + gram calibration. Mounting is metrology.
$9 Sensing
Digital guide + cut files + BOM + code · Parts sourced separately · Ages 8–14 with adult help
SensingLoad cell + HX711
Structure3mm birch platform
ControllerArduino
Build time2–4 hours
Skill levelIntermediate
Ages8+
Pack contents
- Build guide: mount cell, wire HX711, calibrate
- SVG cut files for base, pillars, platter
- First principles: strain gauges, bridges, calibration
- Full tare + calibrate Arduino sketch
- Verified BOM (~$18–100 hardware)
Typical hardware cost
Default structure is laser-cut birch plywood with real fasteners and hobby electronics you can source—honest BOM, not mystery modules.
- ~$18–100 in typical parts (makerspace cut toward the low end; mail-order toward the high end)
- Digital pack price ≠ hardware
The $9 pack is the digital guide + cut files + BOM + lessons + code, plus printable Builder's Corner build journal pages. Hardware is sourced separately — see Where to get kit materials. Buy with Stripe is live below.
Questions? Email us at lance.haney@gmail.com.
Pricing
- Home / Personal license $9
- Classroom license $35 — 1 teacher, up to 30 studentsOne $35 Classroom license covers one group of up to 30 students. Each additional group needs another license.
- Build materials available at cost + 10% — email for a quote
Learning outcomes
- Explain how a strain-gauge cell converts force to voltage
- Wire an HX711 to a load cell and Arduino
- Calibrate with known masses and report residual error
- Discuss creep, off-center loading, and overload