Weigh In on an Antique Scale Tray
Recently I shared great pictures from a junk yard
I visited while on a recent road trip.
One of my fabulous finds was a vintage hanging scale.
The only problem was that it was missing the hanging tray... so....
First I checked Ebay for a replacement tray or basket
with no luck. So I did what I do...
I re-purposed a few random thrift store finds
to create the hanging tray I needed.
Actually, I made 3 different trays because
in my research I found a few different options that
I could re-create pretty easily.
Option #1...
The first one I made from a metal thrift store plate and
old swing set chains...
I drilled 3 holes in the tray and attached swing set chains so the
tray was balanced and hung evenly. Then I spray painted the tray and chains flat black. I left a little rust showing on the chains so
they matched the vintage scale.
The second tray I made is made from an old metal cake pan
and thick aluminum wire.
I shaped the wire to look like tray I had seen on line.
I drilled holes in the cake pan and bent the wire through the holes.
The tray and wire were then painted with an oil rubbed bronze paint giving it an authentic vintage look.
Option #2...
The second tray certainly looks more authentic however,
truth be told...
it needs to be perfectly balanced in order to hold the fruit.
(not good if you plan on using it and not just looking at it)
Enter option #3...
I think I was on the right track with the swing set chains.
This time I left them rusty and added a rusty wire basket.
There is rust on the scale, rust on the chains, and
rust on the basket so it is a very cohesive look,
and actually works the best.
So which do you like better?
#1.... The tray that hangs from the chains?
#2... The tray that hangs from the wire?
or
#3... The basket that hangs from the rusty chains?
Weigh in (no pun intended) and
let me know which scale tray you like better on this
vintage hanging scale.
I prefer #2. If you need it to be functional, #3. Love your blog- such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThey all look great - but I'm voting for #3
ReplyDeleteCheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG
I like #2, as it has such "clean" lines.
ReplyDeleteI perfer #2 could you not find a way to clap down the connections so that it wouldnt swing when you add the fruit? Great finds!!
ReplyDeleteVery clever! I think #2 looks great (#1 looks like it could be a little deeper...) and #3 is great, too. Maybe you could tighten/weld the pan so it won't move? You always seem to find a way to make things work out! Great score!!
ReplyDeleteI like #3 if the chain was shortened about 3 links.
ReplyDeleteI don't like number 3 at all.... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE number 2, but if it's difficult to use, #1 is a pretty close second to it.... in my humble opinion!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous of this amazing find... this is now on my "must find" list!
Thanks for sharing!
Suzie @ Dorothy Sue and Millie B's too
Since I love, love, love all scales, of course, I love all of the trays. Very creative! I just found another hanging scale so might try one of your tray ideas. I'll let you know if I do!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration.
Pam
I like the look of #2 but it would drive me nuts if it constantly was tipping over so I am voting for #3. Fun post.
ReplyDeleteTraci
Love them all and it looks like I'm the only one who likes #1. I think #3 doesn't look as authentic as #1. I also really like #2, but if you want it to hold something then maybe it's not the best. You did a wonderful job coming up with not 1, but 3 options!! Color me impressed!
ReplyDeleteLove them all, but #2 is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteNumber 2 for sure, but the balancing act is a problem if you need it to function. I know whatever you choose will look fantastic. Jane
ReplyDeleteI have one on my pot rack too, missing it's tray. You are BRILLIANT!!!! Pinning so I remember to make one.
ReplyDeleteBliss
They all look awesome!! I wonder if you had 4 chains instead of 3 (on option 3) if it would help stabilize it more.
ReplyDeleteGreat job --as always!!
Cheri
They all look wonderful. I think I would change it out from time to time. Great find.
ReplyDeleteThanks tons for your input on my kitchen, I love your painted cabinets, they look amazing. I am not planning on paint the cabinets, just the walls, just hard to find the right color. Hugs, Marty
Just to balance out the votes...ahem...I really really love option #1. On a scale of 1 to 3, it's first...and that's a good thing. They are all brilliant, though...no kidding!
ReplyDelete#2. What is YOUR favorite!?
ReplyDeleteKathryn,
DeleteMy favorite is also number 2 but I have to figure out how I can hang it and actually use it without dumping. I am right now using #3 as a napkin holder hanging from my pot rack.
:)
You are so creative! My favorite is 2, but would need to figure out how to make it balance.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! I would have trouble coming up with one solution, and here you have come up with three! I will vote for #2 as my favorite, but would also like #'s 1 and 3 if their chains were shorter. Thinking someone else mentioned this. Would the balance issue on #2 be helped if you used artificial fruits/flowers/vegetables/breads in the pan? There are some very realistic ones made now days. If it still wanted to tip, maybe you could use some coins or metal washers, etc. to keep it level? Just thinking outloud.
ReplyDeleteLinda thank you so much for all your good ideas! I like #2 best too!
DeleteSusan
OK, maybe I'm ornery. I like option 4--the cake pan (2), but with the chain and three holes from 1!
ReplyDeleteHello Susan,
ReplyDeleteWe like your blog very much and thank you for your creative ideas.
I would go for #2.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Tanja (Sis2)
I really like #2 but I like the rustiness of #3. So cute! So glad I found your blog today over at the DIY Party. Off to do some more exploring on your site. Blessings to you, Patti
ReplyDeleteLove #3...thanks for the inspiration! I have an old hanging scale that needs a new "tray". I think a basket is the perfect solution!
ReplyDeleteI liked option #1 but they are all great!!
ReplyDelete