Rockwell Hardness Tester

[rooster81]

Anyone knows what's the least expensive Rockwell tester available that's relatively reliable?

Thanks.

[TazKristi]

I'm going to move this to our Off-Topic area since it's not related to Spyderco. I'm sure someone will have helpful information for you.

Kristi

[Xplorer]

Your best bet for a low price might be to find a used Rockwell tester through ebay or used machinery source. A Rockwell tester requires that you learn the specific procedure for how to operate it correctly in order to get consistent results no matter what. This will include learning how to check it's calibration at least, and most likely leads to having to learn to adjust the calibration as well. So, while getting a used one might or might not require buying a new diamond indenter, you're going to have to learn to adjust it either way, new or used. I have an original Wilson model from the 50s that's calibrated and works like new. They're very well built machines, you just have to learn how to verify and maintain their accuracy.

PS..just make sure that when you look at used units that they are for testing Rockwell "C".

[shunsui]

Some good reading.

https://www.asminternational.org/docume ... P00403P023

https://www.qualitydigest.com/mar01/html/hardness.html

and if you have $78...

https://www.astm.org/e0018-20.html

Older 2016 version you can read here:
https://www.academia.edu/33666300/Desig ... erials_1_2

[JD Spydo]

I've worked in several shops over the years. Rockwell isn't the only hardness tester. There are also Vickers and Brinell as well as a couple of other obscure brands. If I was to get into serious knife making I would sure own one. But they aren't cheap

Also you need to know how to keep any hardness tester properly calibrated.

[rooster81]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

[Priketelle]

Their price starts around $ 1,000 and I would not advise going below this bar. It's easier to overpay right away than to buy another one later.