RE: beam or electronic loading scale
I have both, and I prefer the electronic scale. It's much faster to use. It is, however, important to turn the scale on and let it stabilize for several minutes before calibrating it and using it. If you don't let the scale stabilize it won't hold a zero very well. I also recheck the calibration every so often to be sure it's accurate.
If I just need to quickly weigh something I'll use the beam scale. If I'm were planning to actually spend time working at the bench with a scale, I'd fire up the electronic scale in advance.
Mike