Rockwell tester HR150A

[E.Carlson]

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

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/hardness-tester.1527104/page-2
Post # 21 has a link.

 

[MBB]

Thanks, man!

 

[E.Carlson]

Thanks, man!

Good luck. Is yours reading all over the place? Or is it consistent but high or low?

 

[Ken H>]

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.

This is 30⁰F? Not ⁰C - that is COLD!!! You're right, the oil is too thick to give good results. Perhaps take in house 'n let sit overnight, then do a few tests?

 

[E.Carlson]

This is 30⁰F? Not ⁰C - that is COLD!!! You're right, the oil is too thick to give good results. Perhaps take in house 'n let sit overnight, then do a few tests?

Ha! Maybe next time I have a helper around. I can't believe how heavy and awkward that thing is. Looks like the newer ones have a lighter guage body, but mine about killed me getting it out to the shop.

 

[i4Marc]

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.

Yes, pushing large handle back in step 9 gives final reading and resets the mechanism. I wouldn't keep the tester in an unheated shop. Keep it in a heated basement or room in your house. Put it on a solid surface, not a shaky table. Clean up the anvil. Any dirt, oil or other contaminants on the test piece or the anvil will affect the reading. Take the time to calibrate the machine then take care that the tester isn't jostled or bumped.

 

[MBB]

Good luck. Is yours reading all over the place? Or is it consistent but high or low?

Both, although there is likely a fair degree of user error involved.

 

[Ken H>]

Remember, for doing a Rc test, you NEED the metal to be tested to be fairly smooth, 300 to 400 grit finish (yes, it will work with a 120 grit finish).... AND - most important of all, the two top and bottom MUST be parallel with each other. That's why the bevel of a blade can't be tested, but only the blade above the bevel grind line, or on the ricasso.... or the tang of blade. That is why a lathe tool bit makes such a good test block, they have a nice smooth finish, and the sides are perfectly (within reason) parallel.