Looking to buy a hardness tester. Help needed

S

skillgannon

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Apr 27, 2009
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I'm a bit of a noob but getting into this hobby in a big way. I do want to do my own heat treatment in the future and am coming to realize that the testing is very important. I can pick up a oven anytime but the hardness tester might be something that I need to bargain shop for so any help is appreciated.

Also general pricing would be great as well as options that I will want to look for. If needed I can save longer for something that I'm not going to regret buying later.
 
Hardness testers are Precision Instruments. We think of it as a tool for measuring results of heat treating steels and alloys more precise than a file. Used equipment can be a gamble if the seller is not sure if all the correct parts are still with the instrument. Try to find a seller who has tested the equipment and can verify all the parts are intact. You want to find a tester that reads in all 3 scales "A""B""C" you will be working in the "C" scale of Rockwell Hardness. I would look for a reseller who deals in used machine shop or factory equipment because they are familiar with hardness testing equipment and probably have a return policy. Stay away from Superficial Testers they will not give you the results you are looking for.
Pricing for a working verified instrument is going to be anywhere from $500-$1500 depending on quality of instrument. A well cared for older Wilson Rockwell (20-30yrs old) can be at the higher range where a clean used Import can be at the lower price range. Take into consideration the price for shipping these things are Heavy. Ask if it comes with Operating Manual.
 
I paid $200 for this, ugly but dead nuts accurate. It had a new diamond point, but no weights and needed a good cleaning.

 
I picked mine up used also luckily all the parts were intact. I'm sure there are a lot of them sitting idle it's just locating them within a reasonable distance for easy pick up. They don't have to be beautiful on the outside as long as the mechanism functions correctly.
 
But I'm looking in the 1.5k range not 5k then. It would be nice to find a deal but that is something I can come up with.
 
I believe you can find "New" imports for under 1K...possibly used in GOOD condition for around $500.
 
First choice is Wilson Rockwell....Very Pricey! The imports have different names and the units from Grizzly or Enco/MSC I believe are the same model just different name plates. These units are either from India or Taiwan both decent castings and pretty accurate from the ones I have seen up close. Google is your friend and there are quite a few in different shapes of cleanliness on the E-auction site.
 
I see them at machine shop auctions all the time but there is always a couple of guys willing to bid them up, I've never seen one go for under a grand. But they are usually the good ones. My first choice would be a mitutoyo with a digital display and the ability to print out a hardness report on a roll of receipt paper. I almost drove to Chicago to bid on one.

I think to get the best deal you have to do like Don probably did and search craigslist or classifieds until you find someone selling one that doesn't know what it is or its missing something you can replace.

-Clint
 
The other route you can take is a "sclerometer" such as the "PHR-1" on ebay (do a search). They are small, portable, and work well.
 
Goko Seiki is what you want , if you can find it.
I got mine from the CNC aerospace machine shop where I worked
that might be a source for you to try.
 
P.Brewster said:
The other route you can take is a "sclerometer" such as the "PHR-1" on ebay (do a search). They are small, portable, and work well.
Click to expand...

I have the phr-2 and am very happy with it. New, shipped, well under a grand.
 
I have the grizzly model and am happy with it. Just wait until they have a free shipping promotion and then order one. They were $850-$950 when I got mine and it works well so far. I would rather have a Wilson but couldn't find one on Craigslist
 
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