jmeineke Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 I'm looking at a HRC tester - it's one of these http://www.valuetron...px?ProdID=19997. The one he has has never been used, comes in the original case and still has the calibration certificate with it - all things that make it worth more than a used one with no certification. Seems like one of those things that I may regret passing up if I don't do it. He's willing to work in trades which works much better for me right now financially. It's range is 20HRC to 65HRC and it's accuracy is ±1.5 points. I don't know... I do plan on doing some knives, but do I really need one of these? I can see how it would be nice to have one to get your hardening / tempering process down and to test anvil hardness, etc. What do you all think? I'm nibbling and tempted, but please save me from my own ignorance if I need saving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKindy Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 Dont pass it up. I am sure if you decided it was not for you, you would have no trouble getting rid of it on this or another forum. In fact tell me how much you want for it, my brother is very interested in one. You of course should make some kind of profit on procurring it. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDW Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 If you do not have one you rely on a file usually. If you have enough practice you can generally tell with a 6" nicholson file when something is around 60 or so. I cannot do it but I have seen someone do it. My brother bought a tester so anytime I have something in question I go use his. I work with cable and learned I was not hardening as well as I thought when using some hydraulic oil we had. As long as you have access to a hardness tester you do not actually have to own one, but without one you cannot control your hardening processes. + or - 1.5 would not be accurate enough for a seasoned knifemaker but someone questioning whether or not they are getting there steel hard would appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 Look at MSC Industrial's website for hardness testers they had a pretty big selection last I looked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted August 16, 2010 Author Share Posted August 16, 2010 Look at MSC Industrial's website for hardness testers they had a pretty big selection last I looked. New ones are a bit high for my budget (Can't even say I have what would qualify as a budget ), but yeah, they have a nice selection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 Okay.. The guy want's my 75 lb Columbian (face needs re-hardened) and $50 - what do you think? Still worth it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monstermetal Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Id jump on that deal.... If you decide you arnt using it enough... sell it to me.. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 Id jump on that deal.... If you decide you arnt using it enough... sell it to me.. Thanks, Larry (and everyone else who responded). I just bought it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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