Danny,

I personally don't have any experience with the portable units so I can't be of much help, and I suspect that the folks that do have the knowledge are most likely prepping and traveling to the expo in San Antonio. Stay tuned, I'll bet someone replies the first part of next week if not sooner.

Rick

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considering buying one. can anyone give me some feedback on a unit or several units. looking for pro's and con's. any feedback is appreciated. thanks, Danny

The portability is the most obvious advantage, however if I was shopping for a new unit and the portable were about the same price as the benchtop, I would go with the benchtop model if I had the space. The hand helds are pretty good for getting in the ballpark in the field but the bechtops should be more accurate.

Danny,

I only have experience with the desk top type also. They are tried and true. I was very close to purchasing a portable type but I could not get anyone to give it a total green light. I hope you get more input. At that time they were also considerably more expensive. Kevin is at least one expert you can trust. What are you looking at an ultrasonic or a hand held test-force indenter type? Let us know what you decide and how it turns out!

Tom

Thanks for the feed back guys. The bench top model is feeling a little like the right choice. Thanks, Danny

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Thanks for the feed back guys. The bench top model is feeling a little like the right choice. Thanks, Danny

Greetings!

I'm new to ABS am thankful for such a place as these forums and the knowledgeable membership as well. To try and help you with your question, I tried the big cast iron bench model and they are great but my true favorite is a portable model made by CLARK Inc. It is a hand held mechanical device that comes with a Letter of Certification and a hockey puck looking 'block' of steel that also comes certification. My certified block is a 61HRC. I can verify my tester is working right on by just checking the hardness of the block.

In addition to being portable, handheld, they don't cost anywhere near as much as the bench top models. And the freight is next to nothing as well. Where as the big cast iron units cost plenty in just shipping.

I bought a rebuilt certified unit with test block for $1400.00 I do believe. A brand new one about three years ago was going for $2300.00.

The rebuilt came with a FULL WARRANTY just the same as a new one.

It looked slightly used with some finish imperfections and mild wear appearance. But it works great. I love to show my customers just exactly how hard their blades are.......and they seem to appreciate it to!

Here's a link for the place I got mine. http://www.sunteccorp.com/portable_main.htm

Look for the rebuilt units and give them a call even if you don't see any for sale.

Good Luck with what ever you choose!

Colin Paterson