I Got My Hardness Tester!!!!!

Willie71

Willie71

Warren J. Krywko
Joined
Feb 23, 2013
Messages
12,214
I have been looking for a used tester for some time, and found the shipping to Canada quite prohibitive, so I bought one of the handheld testers from ebay, as the shipping was included in the price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PHR-2-Small-Portable-Rockwell-Hardness-Tester-Sclerometer-/270914040758 I thought I would take the chance on this item, as it would be better than guessing, or using files. Its advertised as having the same accuracy as the benchtop models, but you can't believe everything you read. Anyway, I tested 5 of my recent knives, and all of them except one were within Rc1.0 of the aimed for Rc#. One was out by Rc02, but Rc58 instead of 60 is still useable for an EDC in 1095. It was differentially hardened so I wanted the edge a little harder. My pyrometer and tempering oven are obviously working well, and my temp control is close. I will now be able to test after a first temper, and adjust as needed. When I used the test blocks, it was within Rc0.2 of the test hardness on the Rc 60 block. It was out by a bit more, Rc0.7- Rc1.0 on the hardest block (I think it was around Rc80.) Since its quite close on the 60 block, it seems like a good option for knife making.
 
Holy Crap!

How did they ship? What were the 'time of delivery' fees to the shipper, aside from GST, if any?
 
It took me 2.5 weeks to get it, and there was a $19.00 COD charge, the only fee above the Ebay price. DHL did the Canadian delivery. I get a lot of bicycle parts from China, and wasn't worried about the shipping. I was more worried that the tool wouldn't work properly. They originally projected 1st week in November, but not in this case. My auction sale was about $50.00 higher price, but international delivery included. Like I said, this may not be as good as a bench top model, but its better than files or guessing. Shipping a bench model from the US was going to be more than $400.00. From what I can tell, the tester is accurate, (when I test the same piece of steel several times, the results are exactly the same,) my tempering oven is 25f too warm, according to what it reads. I came with everything described, except the set key for the bench top stand.
 
I tested one of the first knives I made. Rc27 :( I learned a lot since then!!!
 
Interesting! I was looking at one of those when I was thinking about hardness testers... If it works then it's definitely a lot more convenient than the 150lb monster I ended up with!

Did it come with a set of test standards?
 
There were some plans on the web to build a a benchtop model... Hmm, if one can build a benchtop model, why not a portable one as well. I picked up an indenter for the build but never got around to building.

RC27 knife, don't know what to say about that.:o
 
Yes, it came with test standards, test blocks, ball and diamond indenters, and flat and v anvils.
 
Congratulations! It is always great to get a new tool for the shop. Would you be willing to do a little write up about its performance in a month or four? I am curious how it will hold up over time
 
Sure. I will keep everyone posted. I expected the tester to be cheaply made, but it is quite solid and well finished. Definitely not a harbour freight quality tool.
 
What model did you get. I am interested in getting a tester myself.
 
Well given everything you've said so far, it definitely seems like a good potential alternative to a full-size tester!

Good on you for being brave enough to take the plunge on a relatively unknown tool!
 
Willie71 said:
It took me 2.5 weeks to get it, and there was a $19.00 COD charge, the only fee above the Ebay price. DHL did the Canadian delivery. I get a lot of bicycle parts from China, and wasn't worried about the shipping. I was more worried that the tool wouldn't work properly. They originally projected 1st week in November, but not in this case. My auction sale was about $50.00 higher price, but international delivery included. Like I said, this may not be as good as a bench top model, but its better than files or guessing. Shipping a bench model from the US was going to be more than $400.00. From what I can tell, the tester is accurate, (when I test the same piece of steel several times, the results are exactly the same,) my tempering oven is 25f too warm, according to what it reads. I came with everything described, except the set key for the bench top stand.
Click to expand...

I pulled the trigger on one tonight.

Do you use a shim of some sort to get the blade flat to the indenter?
 
I have been testing the tang or ricasso (if pre sanding as it does leave a pin hole in the steel) mostly. I have tested the blades, but the results vary a bit, about 1-1.5rc. I think Don Hanson mentioned the blade will test a bit lower because of the angle, about 1-1.5Rc. I have seen the same here.

See post 14:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ours-of-drive-time!?highlight=hardness+tester

So far I am really happy with the unit.
 
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