Some general observations:
Load cell scales are good now, no doubt about it; but the old balance type (beam) were, and still are, just as good.
If you needed to weigh out twice as much, or more, than you needed, you could halve it by balancing the two halves against each other, or dissolve and dilute. Simple balance check was to swap loads and check they still balanced.
I never needed to do that because I have a set of standard weights anyway and have always had access to analytical balances (0.1mg resolution). I used to use 6 decimal place balances where you had to wait, say 20 minutes or more, before taking readings because of temperature equalisation and in-cabinet draughts.
Reloading cartridges was another need for accuracy, but not like the assay balances. Several reproducible volumes metered out and weighed to find the average. Perfectly adequate methodology - once you knew the variation between each metered amount.
One can do better than some kitchen scales with just a strip of wood and some thread.
The technology has been used for thousands of years.
Finman is right - the recipes are out there to follow. KISS.
Regarding oxalic acid treatments: Hivemaker is right; it is well known there are down-sides to treatment. That is why not all my colonies get the treatment. A matter of balancing the risks.
Formic acid is good to combat tracheal mites as well as varroa; apiguard (not my favourite) has its place, Thymol, drone brood culling, etc. Better to use an array of weapons than just relying on one. A bit like the controversy over the swine flu jab.
The one thing to remember is that whatever you do, varroa will still be with us (for some time). Relying on one method of treatment will not work in every case. Monitoring mite levels is a very important part of the war, not this over-bearing assumption (imparted to new beeks?) that if treated with oxalic acid mites will not be a problem next season. They will.
I remember raising the question of oxalic acid treatment with the bee inspector (in open forum) about oxalic acid treatment and he shook his head in disgust (had to follow the Defra line I suppose). He now advocates it's use. Amazing how things change in 4 or 5 years.
Ymmv, but I find this discussion does not show the forum in the best light. These things have been aired over the internet so any times. Best practice has been developed. it would be better to direct new beeks to relevant papers than befuddle with minute detail of individuals' personal methods of preparation and application.
And BTW, distilled water is not necessary in most instances for solution of oxalic acid (this thread or another?). Most calcium salts can be removed by boiling the water and allowing the 'boiled out temporary hardness' to settle. Only permanent hardness presents a challenge in that respect. Softened water would be perfectly adequate. Those that make their sugar solution separately before mixing with oxalic solution might remember this also.
Regards, RAB
