Mitutoyo 940-130 hardness tester

S

Steve Beckwith

Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
393
I am looking at a Mitutoyo 940-130 hardness tester for sale. It appears to be missing the penetrator (if that is the proper term). I have not seen this in person nor have I ever laid eyes on one to my knowledge. I have numerous questions. How much does the penetrator cost? How much do test blocks cost? How much does the machine weight? Will it fit in the trunk of a car? Is this a proper tool for testing hardness of my blades? If any of you have any knowledge of this machine I would surely like to hear it. Thanks, Steve B
 
I have that type. The penetrator is easily replacable, and the cost isn't high. You will see them for $110, but the $15 import ones work fine. Test blocks are also readily available from places like eBay. You can also make your own by HTing four 2" squares of 1/4" 1084. Leave on as-quenched, and temper the other three at 300, 400, 450. Have them tested by someone with a good tester. Once you know their exact hardness, write it on them and use them for checking and calibration.

What is absolutely important is that the tester has the full set of weights.

I have a bunch of the testing tables ( what you place the blade being tested on), so if you need something like that, I can help you out.

It weighs less than 100 pounds, and will easily fit in a car trunk. A good stand for it, if you don't have the spare bench space, is a rolling welder cart. It fits just right on the top. Acessories and test blocks can store on the shelf under it. Put a grill cover ( the one that fits the smal egg cooker) over the unit when not in use to keep it clean.
What is the price being asked? Post photos of the tester and what comes with it if you can.
 
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tmp_32523-original-1188542883.jpgStacy, the tool is part of an auction. I honestly have no idea what these things are worth. I was planning on bidding about $200. I have only seen one picture of it so I don't know if the weights are there or not. It is kind of an interesting auction, lots of micrometers and other precision tools. A couple hours from my home. Maybe I'll go and make a day of it. Thanks for the info
 
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The weights are round cylinders that sit on a long hanger rod that hangs from the back of the machine. Since the image shows it right up agains a wall, they may or may not be there. $200 is a good price if it has the weights. Without the weights, $50 is the max. You can get weights, but they may run a coiple hundred bucks.

I just went to the garage where my unit is currently, and I have a different unit. It is very similar but is made by Miawa- seiki . I don't know why I was thinking it was a Mitutoyo.
 
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Thanks Stacy, the picture is the best I have. I really had no idea what this thing is worth. From what I can tell, priced new these things are big money. As I said, I may make a day of it and go to the auction in person. My experience is that people tend to pay too much at these things. On top of it all there is a 20%fee and 7% tax.
 
Steve,
I would only buy it if you can see it in person. Make sure it is complete with weights and the parts move/work. As I said, the weights are a deal breaker for anything buy a "parts" unit price of $50-$100. If everything was in good shape, and all parts were there including the accessory box, $500 would be a fair price. With weights and nothing else, $200.
If the unit being sold is not with the accessory box ,or the box is being auctioned separately because the people don't know they go together, then that is an issue that will greatly lower the sale price. If you are there in person, you can point out that the box is missing, or that it is not a separate item.

When I bought mine, they were selling it in a online action from an industrial plant being closed. I spotted the box listed as a separate item, and said I would only purchase the unit if they included the box. They upped the price $50 .... to $150, which I gladly accepted. $100 extra for crating and shipping, and it was here. A month later, I found another accessory box on sale from the same place without the weights (which I had from the first box) for $10 plus $10 shipping. So I ended up with lots of test blocks, indenters, and test tables.


Here is a link to a complete Mitutoyo unit like yours with many good photos of the accessory box that comes with them normally. You can see the weights in the box. The weight hanger rod and large test table are under the smaller accessories tray.
http://machinetoollist.com/ads/mitutoyo-hardness-testers-model-940-130/


Funny, but applicable joke from the 1950's;
A man goes to a used auto lot and sees an almost new looking convertible for sale at $200. He says he will take it, and hands the salesman $200. The salesman says, "Great, now lets talk about the $1000 engine I have in the shop that fits it."
 
Stacy, based on your pictures, I am almost certain that the weights are missing. I would not buy this sight unseen but before your explanation I still would not have fully understood what was missing. Thanks again for the great info.
 
A look at the back of the unit will either show the hanging weights, or a door with the weights behind it. You could contact the sellers and ask them to show a photo of the back of the unit and ask about the weights or accessory box.

BTW, if you get it and the weights are there, remove the weights before transport.
 
Well, I called the auction house and was told that the pictures that they posted would have to do. They could not answer any questions. The auction was in Stuart, Fl., a strong 2 hours from here. So being a pig in a poke, I put a bid in for $60. Well it sold for $600. There is a 20% buyers premium and 7% tax on top of that so the winning bid paid about $800 total. Seems awfully high to me. My experience with auctions is that people tend to pay too much. Thanks for your input Stacy, even though I wasn't even close on this one, I'll know more what to look for in the future.
 
Hans Porcher
I am new to this Forum. I was wondering if someone could tell me how many weights are needed for the Mitutoyo 940-130 and what they weight. Thank you for any help you might be able to give me
Hans
 
It is not quite that simple.

The weights are normally a set marked something like 40,50,60Kg. They do not weight the numbers marked, but apply that forge through the leverage of the tester. They are particular to the tester. A new set can run as much as $1000, but they can be found for half that. The exact weight of each weight is a part of the calibration of the tester. Some weights have holes drilled in them at the factory to get an exact test result in the calibration.

I forget what the company name is, but there is a hardness tester company that sells replacement weights and parts for most all standard testers. I'll try and find it in my saved info.


Found it:
http://www.brystartools.com/hardness-tester-weights/
 
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