Sonic Tester

SSGT Mustang · 08-03-2013, 11:00 AM

I've been looking for a decent sonic tester, but don't want to spend $2K on one (if I don't have to). This is something that will get used very infrequently. It's not for a shop...just my home garage, where I will need to measure cylinder walls on occasion and perhaps port thickness.

Any thoughts on what to buy and where?

There are a bunch of cheap ones on eBay, but almost all made in China. They may do the job, but, then again, getting an accurate measurement of cylinder wall thickness is...well...kind of important.....

Thanks,

Steve

CFMCNC · 08-04-2013, 12:59 AM

We currently have a Dakota ,it will do cylinders and ports with two different transducers about 1250$,Have paid 1850$ for previous unit 35 years ago from NDT,Had a China unit to test ,it was junk.Bill C.

carl hinkson · 08-04-2013, 09:45 AM

I use the Dakota PR-8 seems to work very well. Those have to be calibrated for each block your testing to a known thickness to get the best results.

You get what you pay for!!

Kevin Panzino · 08-04-2013, 10:14 AM

Keep an eye on industrial surplus sales sites, as well as Ebay. Remember, you don't need one marketed for automotive use. There are many industrial units which, in many ways are even superior. And you can stumble across them for a steal sometimes, because racers and engine builders are not aware of them.... I got a nice Krautkramer Branson Unit (pretty much the Gold standard brand for industrial UT thickness ) for $125!!!! And yes, you don't want anything to do with a Made in China one...

Also, you have a PM

Kevin

SSGT Mustang · 08-11-2013, 10:24 PM

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Steve

08-03-2013, 11:00 AM	#1
SSGT Mustang Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 359 Likes: 35 Liked 204 Times in 54 Posts	Sonic Tester I've been looking for a decent sonic tester, but don't want to spend $2K on one (if I don't have to). This is something that will get used very infrequently. It's not for a shop...just my home garage, where I will need to measure cylinder walls on occasion and perhaps port thickness. Any thoughts on what to buy and where? There are a bunch of cheap ones on eBay, but almost all made in China. They may do the job, but, then again, getting an accurate measurement of cylinder wall thickness is...well...kind of important..... Thanks, Steve

08-04-2013, 12:59 AM	#2
CFMCNC Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Somwhere in NJ Posts: 72 Likes: 4 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Sonic Tester We currently have a Dakota ,it will do cylinders and ports with two different transducers about 1250$,Have paid 1850$ for previous unit 35 years ago from NDT,Had a China unit to test ,it was junk.Bill C.

08-04-2013, 09:45 AM	#3
carl hinkson Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NORTHEAST Posts: 287 Likes: 1 Liked 18 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Sonic Tester I use the Dakota PR-8 seems to work very well. Those have to be calibrated for each block your testing to a known thickness to get the best results. You get what you pay for!!

08-04-2013, 10:14 AM	#4
Kevin Panzino Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 575 Likes: 298 Liked 747 Times in 136 Posts	Re: Sonic Tester Keep an eye on industrial surplus sales sites, as well as Ebay. Remember, you don't need one marketed for automotive use. There are many industrial units which, in many ways are even superior. And you can stumble across them for a steal sometimes, because racers and engine builders are not aware of them.... I got a nice Krautkramer Branson Unit (pretty much the Gold standard brand for industrial UT thickness ) for $125!!!! And yes, you don't want anything to do with a Made in China one... Also, you have a PM Kevin Last edited by Kevin Panzino; 08-04-2013 at 10:19 AM.

08-11-2013, 10:24 PM	#5
SSGT Mustang Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 359 Likes: 35 Liked 204 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Sonic Tester Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback. Steve