corey012778
12-30-2010, 01:03 AM
after a lot of searching on lead hardness tester, I came open an number of threads where people where using automatic center punches as hardness testers. so I decided I would test it for myself.
before I go any feather, all results are on the lead I have on hand, I don't have any known "pure" or almost pure lead at this time.
using an general tools automatic center punch
first set of numbers is full of mistakes and guessing on the load (force) only posting this because it is a little entrusting.
BHN center Punch TEST data
all pound force is just an guess
40lbs .069 50lbs .069 60lbs .069
.067 5 6 7 sinker/random soft lead
.066 5 7 8 done off memory
.058 8 10 12 random range lead and ww scraps
.062 7 8 10 ww alloy from casting pot (maybe 10oz of soft lead added)
second set are what I did tonight. (still personal think I make some mistakes somewhere)
used an bathroom scale to see how much force I was placing on the lead
tip .079" load 50lbs waited till the center punch released then held for 30secs
stick on ww
.073 = 5.8 bhn = 6 bhn
scrap range/ww
.065 = 8.3 bhn = 8 bhn
sinker
.075 = 5.2bhn = 5 bhn
WW from my melter
.070 = 6.6 bhn = 7
1.5yr old ww ingot
.066= 8
Range
.074 = 5.8 bhn = 6
cast 459 range j word and cast bullets
.069 = 7 bhn
cast range lead
.068 = 7.3bhn = 7
unknown
.067 = 7.6 = 8
conclusion
An center punch, or any other flat or round device will work with the method I used. the holes as you can tell where small, I know I made mistakes getting my measurements. I wear glass' so some extra magnification is need
before I go any feather, all results are on the lead I have on hand, I don't have any known "pure" or almost pure lead at this time.
using an general tools automatic center punch
first set of numbers is full of mistakes and guessing on the load (force) only posting this because it is a little entrusting.
BHN center Punch TEST data
all pound force is just an guess
40lbs .069 50lbs .069 60lbs .069
.067 5 6 7 sinker/random soft lead
.066 5 7 8 done off memory
.058 8 10 12 random range lead and ww scraps
.062 7 8 10 ww alloy from casting pot (maybe 10oz of soft lead added)
second set are what I did tonight. (still personal think I make some mistakes somewhere)
used an bathroom scale to see how much force I was placing on the lead
tip .079" load 50lbs waited till the center punch released then held for 30secs
stick on ww
.073 = 5.8 bhn = 6 bhn
scrap range/ww
.065 = 8.3 bhn = 8 bhn
sinker
.075 = 5.2bhn = 5 bhn
WW from my melter
.070 = 6.6 bhn = 7
1.5yr old ww ingot
.066= 8
Range
.074 = 5.8 bhn = 6
cast 459 range j word and cast bullets
.069 = 7 bhn
cast range lead
.068 = 7.3bhn = 7
unknown
.067 = 7.6 = 8
conclusion
An center punch, or any other flat or round device will work with the method I used. the holes as you can tell where small, I know I made mistakes getting my measurements. I wear glass' so some extra magnification is need