lee hardness tester ??

[tommag]

I finally broke down and bought one. I filed a flat the side of a wd 50/50 pb wwboolit. Followed the instructions, and came up with .038", or 36.6 bhn.
This had aged for three weeks.
Took a slug I cast with old sewer joint ring. I got a bhn of 13.4. Maybe there is tin in the sewer pipe joint? This was the lead they put between 2 sections of pipe, like a gasket.
Are the lee testers known for not being accurate, or am I doing something wrong?
Just tried it with the only thing I know the composition of for sure, a tin ingot. Diameter was .090, which was off the chart.

[mikeym1a]

The hardness is on the surface, especially if water dropped. by filing the flat, you removed the harder material..And yes, the pipe joint contains tin, as it is a solder. There is the 'V' receptacle with the tester that holds the boolit, so you should not need a flat on the boolit itself. I have one, and get pretty much expected results, most of the time. I just need to build a little stand to hold the microscope and boolit so I can read it accurately. mikey

[tommag]

The directions say to file a flat where you put the intention.

[220]

I have one, don't know how accurate it is as I don't have anything else to compare it to but all my readings have been close to what I expected with known lead mixes.
Your readings do seem harder than would be expected.

[tommag]

Looks like I've been feeding my muzzleloaders some premium stuff for a lot of years. I had a few store bought .715 balls left, and tried one of them. Off the chart at .094".
I always thought those joints were pure pb.

[CIBCasting]

I would guess you are not operating it correctly.
Mine is rather accurate.
it's hard to keep the magnifier in focus and easy to missread.
Make sure the pointer never comes out of the top of the body while you hold it for 30 sec.
I keep my finger on the hole and stop when i can feel it.

[Digital Dan]

They are accurate if properly used.

http://www.lasc.us/Shay-BHN-Tester-Experiment.htm

[TXGunNut]

Been using one for awhile, results are consistent with expectations so I feel it's pretty accurate when used properly. Microscope is a bit hard to use and like CIB I keep my finger over the plunger.

[fatelvis]

I bought one of these off Feebay for $27.50 shipped. It makes reading your tester much easier and more enjoyable.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331180165484
102725

[Teddy (punchie)]

Just started to use one I just bought. First test was off but retested and found it to be in the area I thought it should be. Tested time cool no water drop, or heat treated.

I think art pencils test was faster and easier. Going to compare in the next few weeks.

[RedHawk357Mag]

I like using it (the Lee) but I usually do four divots on each test sample if I can fit them. The scope is the butt kicker here are some ideas I have found here at CBs. I like using pencils when going to the scrap yard.102738102737102739102740