Hardness testers

itrade · Sep 25, 2003

Anyone have experience with Ames Testers:

http://www.qualitest-inc.com/ames.htm

They've been around for years. The main limit I see on the design is using a pressure guage rather than weights. However, used prices on these are quite reasonable compared to bench top models and for those of us with small work areas....

Just looking for quick testing blades, not detailed metallurgy work.

Steve

Darrel Ralph · Sep 25, 2003

I have never used one of those type of units.
I can however vouch for The Wilson Rc checker.

rlinger · Sep 25, 2003

Steve, here is the type I have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2560231860&category=20043

RL

itrade · Sep 25, 2003

Very similar concept (gauged pressure).

Do you like it? Does it compare well with a bench model?

Consistancy is the name of the game for me.

Steve

rlinger · Sep 25, 2003

Very consistant. They are the real deal. I have three of them and they all track each other and track the test blocks, after I calibrated them.

RL

Jason Arnold · Sep 25, 2003

itrade,

Seen them, haven't used the tester, but there is no reason it wouldn't do the job. I have a Wilson like Darrel and also a scleroscope. Calibration is the key. That and flat surfaces.

southriv · Sep 25, 2003

I have the Ames model 4 I bought on Ebay last year. A real nice precision instrument. Kind of pricy new, though. I first tried mine by doing some strikes in the same area Paul Bos did on some knives he heat treated for me - it was spot on.

Bob

itrade · Sep 25, 2003

Thanks Gang,

That's what I needed to know.

Steve