HR150A calibration info

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Dec 31, 2011
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OK, here is the calibration info I've got for the As you work thru the calibration procedure, if you see anything that needs adding, removing, or re-wording please let me know. I've posted this to the forum, but couldn't find the thread this morning.

Adjusting the HR-150A hardness tester following the instructions on the directions below works like a champ. In figure 7 below you can the 3 main calibration screws, #5 is the center with a lock nut, the two outside silver screws do not have lock nuts. The center screw with lock nut adjusts the pointer needle.

calibration-image.png


1: If the Pin End of Small Level is not locate in the middle of hole of as shown in Figture 8, loosening the Screw# 1&2 in Figture 7 and moving the bar right or left to make the Pin End of Level in the middle of hole as Figture 9, then screwing it down. This position might require adjusting the pivot pins holding the center bar. This step should only be required in a badly out of calibration tester.

2: With the main dial in front turned so the C (call this the zero position) is exactly at the top 12 Oclock position. Note position of needle on main dial, is it somewhere between 11 and 1 O'clock? If so, proceed to step #2. If not, use a 7mm wrench to hold lock nut on center screw (#5), hold screw with screwdriver and loosen nut with wrench. Playing with this screw the needle can be adjusted easy between 11 and 1 O'clock. That's close enough for now.

3: Take the ~62 Rc test block and take a reading, note if reading low or high. Here I then take a 1/4" or 3/8" HSS tool bit (from lathe) and test it. Note how it reads compared to test block. Use this HSS tool steel for most of testing to save many dimples in test block. The HSS steel should read somewhere from 62 to 67 Rc depending on metal.

4: If reading is low, loosen the two outside silver screws and move plate forwards toward dial a small tad. If reading is high, then move plate backward a tad. Small movement will make a fairly large difference in calibration. After tightening the two outside screws, the big needle will again need adjusting with the center screw to somewhere between 11 and 1 O'clock.

5: Test HSS steel again. This does take a good bit of playing around to get correct. With calibration set at 62 Rc, I found my low end still didn't read correctly, but that's not a real problem since I only use that for testing backsprings and that reading isn't as critical as the blade - in my opinion anyway.

6: Once the calibration is complete, the needle on main dial should be adjusted to the 12 Oclock position, and with the test result reading Rc value of test block.

This procedure works for me. I'd be interested in hearing if it works for other folks.

Ken H>
 
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I just got her level and am a bit low on cal..

I looked at the vendor material and the lifting the carpet up, then fill to overflowing just really confused me.

By needle behavior, it needs machine oil. I just do not add drops in the uncompressed state until visibly saturated and burp?
 
Good morning Jud - Sorry I missed your post until this morning. Please feel free to email (or call) anytime I might can help. I'm sure you read the following from the manual.
*************************
2. Oil filling to the buffer
If the pointer of indication dial gauge rotates rapidly at the beginning and then slowly
later on when applying main test force, it means that the buffer is lack of machine oil.
Lift up the oil carpet over the buffer and fill with clean machine oil No. 32. At the same
time, pull and push the loading and unloading handles several times to let the piston
move up and down so that the air inside the buffer is completely get rid of, until there is
oil overflowing from the top when the piston falls down to the bottom (see Fig-22).
**********************
Reading "If the pointer of indication dial gauge rotates rapidly at the beginning and then slowly
later on when applying main test force,
" I'm thinking that "applying main test force" might mean when the loading lever is pulled which is when the 150 kg force is applied (I think). If the dial think moves quickly at beginning, then slows down as it rotates to a pointer position before pushing back the unloading lever to see the final Rc reading is is the rapid/slow dial movement we're talking about. If so, then I think you've got it correct. I don't see any reason to full to "overflowing". I'd just fill to 1/4" of top so when the felt cover is placed in position it will be soaked. In the 10 yrs or so I've had my HR-150a I don't think any oil has ever needed adding. The felt stays soaked, and the needle movement is even from the time I pull the loading lever until the needle stops moving.

Where the needle stops after the loading lever is pulled applying 150kg of force is only a general indication of final Rc results. On a 60 Rc test block after loading lever is pulled the needle might stop anywhere between 20 to 30, or even less than 20, but still move to 60 Rc when the Unloading lever is moved to the Unloaded position removing the 150 Kg force. Seems like I remember the "reading allowance" for the testing is ±1.5 Rc points giving a full 3 points range. They are normally better than that.

Anyway I can help give me a holler or email and I'll be happy to help anyway I can.

Ken H>
"IF" there is a slight bow in the
 
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