Rockwell tester HR150A

E.Carlson

E.Carlson

Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Messages
811
I've got a chance to pick up a Mitech HR150-a rockwell tester close by for around 500.
It's at a pawnshop, manual but no testing blocks. Worth the gamble?
 
If you have a blade blank that is of known RC hardness take it along and ask to do a test to see if it works. It's hard to inspect a diamond penetrator but if you have a good magnifier you can at least look to see its in reasonable shape? If it looks clean and works that would be an ok price.
 
Busto said:
If you have a blade blank that is of known RC hardness take it along and ask to do a test to see if it works. It's hard to inspect a diamond penetrator but if you have a good magnifier you can at least look to see its in reasonable shape? If it looks clean and works that would be an ok price.
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I wish I did but I don't. I guess I could HT a coupon of 01 and 15N20 and assume they came out near what they should. It would at least tell me that it is working even though it may need calibration. ..
 
Talked them down to 425. They claim that it works because "They did some testing themselves with it". I may just take the risk.
 
I just ran a hardness test on three brand new Stanley utility knife blades. I took the readings in the geometric center of the blade (well close anyway). Two measured 61.5HRC and the other was 62.5HRC. I realize this doesn't give you a calibration standard, but it will give you a proof of operationtest. So if you go by your local hardware store you can purchase a 5 pack for around a buck.
Jim A.
 
DAMNENG said:
I just ran a hardness test on three brand new Stanley utility knife blades. I took the readings in the geometric center of the blade (well close anyway). Two measured 61.5HRC and the other was 62.5HRC. I realize this doesn't give you a calibration standard, but it will give you a proof of operationtest. So if you go by your local hardware store you can purchase a 5 pack for around a buck.
Jim A.
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Yeah, that's close enough to see if it functions. Not really sure how to operate it, but I have a general idea.
 
Oh that's good. I missed the post where you tested it out.

I have been looking for a local Rockwell tester to buy for years...
 
Isn't that tester you're looking at just a Chinese HR-150A clone? Same tester sold by Grizzly for around $800 or so? They are good tester and the diamond penetrator is replaceable for around $10 to $13 shipped. Just take a hard metal bar in the 50 to 70 Rc range, don't matter if it's calibrated or not, just as long as it works. They're not that hard to calibrate. A lathe tool bit works good as a test block - most will be in the 60 to 65 Rc range. Again, you're only wishing to prove operation, not calibration.

$425 - jump all over that deal! If it works. The manual is available all over the internet, download a copy, read how to operate, then go check it out.
 
Ken H> said:
Isn't that tester you're looking at just a Chinese HR-150A clone? Same tester sold by Grizzly for around $800 or so? They are good tester and the diamond penetrator is replaceable for around $10 to $13 shipped. Just take a hard metal bar in the 50 to 70 Rc range, don't matter if it's calibrated or not, just as long as it works. They're not that hard to calibrate. A lathe tool bit works good as a test block - most will be in the 60 to 65 Rc range. Again, you're only wishing to prove operation, not calibration.

$425 - jump all over that deal! If it works. The manual is available all over the internet, download a copy, read how to operate, then go check it out.
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Yep, that's the one. Been reading the manual and I believe I also downloaded the calibration steps that you wrote up! Gonna drive up there in the morning and give it a look.
 
S.Alexander said:
Oh that's good. I missed the post where you tested it out.

I have been looking for a local Rockwell tester to buy for years...
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Haven't tested it yet but going to tomorrow. Looks like you change the scale type by switching out the penetrator, but it will read A, B and C.
 
I got my HR150A from Grizzly. if the machine you are considering has the same controls layout, you can use these steps. Those utility knife blades sound like good test pieces.


HR-150A Operating Instructions:

1. Start with large handle towards the back

2. Clean test piece and anvil well

3. Place test piece on anvil

4. Raise anvil until test piece contacts indenter

5. Slowly raise anvil until small needle on dial meets red dot

6. Turn dial bezel to match large needle

7. Pull small handle forward

8. Wait for large needle and large handle to settle

9. Push large handle towards back for final reading/reset
 
i4Marc said:
I got my HR150A from Grizzly. if the machine you are considering has the same controls layout, you can use these steps. Those utility knife blades sound like good test pieces.


HR-150A Operating Instructions:

1. Start with large handle towards the back

2. Clean test piece and anvil well

3. Place test piece on anvil

4. Raise anvil until test piece contacts indenter

5. Slowly raise anvil until small needle on dial meets red dot

6. Turn dial bezel to match large needle

7. Pull small handle forward

8. Wait for large needle and large handle to settle

9. Push large handle towards back for final reading/reset
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Thanks for that. I went ahead and picked it up. So, you get your reading after you push the large handle back on step 9, correct?
Everything seems to be working as it should but it needs some cleaning. It doesn't seem to be reading consistently, but there is a bit of rust on the anvil.
 
Ok, so no point in messing with it until I get a test block. None of them on ebay seem to specify C scale. The one I'm looking at is "45n 63.2" by wilson. Am I looking at the right thing?
 
Not sure which test block you're looking at without a link to it. You might consider using a homebrew test block until you get everything working nicely, either a lathe tool bit (3/8" sq works nicely).

Here's a link to a diamond penetrator which should work just fine - just incase you think your diamond might be defective. You can look at it under magnify to see if the tip looks clean with no chips.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/252377813774?
 
Ken H> said:
Not sure which test block you're looking at without a link to it. You might consider using a homebrew test block until you get everything working nicely, either a lathe tool bit (3/8" sq works nicely).

Here's a link to a diamond penetrator which should work just fine - just incase you think your diamond might be defective. You can look at it under magnify to see if the tip looks clean with no chips.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/252377813774?
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Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/332149704064
This is what I am mainly seeing on ebay. It's the obligation one I see in the 60 range.
I went ahead and ordered a new penetrator just because at that price why not start fresh.
The problem I'm having so far is it is reading all over the place. Same piece will be 61, 61, 95, 90, 60. Of it was somewhat consistent I would start trying to calibrate, but the numbers are too crazy.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the testor block - that does look like it "might" be in the 63.5 Rc range, but never says Rc for sure. I looked thru other blocks on Ebay and didn't any of them that spec'd Rc.

I don't know, but I expect a damaged diamond penetrator would give similar results as you've got above, depending on how the damaged tip went into the metal. Perhaps somebody will more knowledge than me will comment on the reason for such widely varying results you've got - from 60 to 95 Rc.
 
Well, the fact that it's been 30-40 degrees and my shop is uninsulated may be a problem. May have to wait till spring to get a good reading! Manual states it needs to be above 50.
 
E.Carlson said:
Yep, that's the one. Been reading the manual and I believe I also downloaded the calibration steps that you wrote up! Gonna drive up there in the morning and give it a look.
Click to expand...

Can you give a link to the calibration steps? I'm in a similar boat as you. Thanks!
 
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