Testing hardness of 6061 aluminum?

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Does anyone have a simple way to test to see if some 6061 aluminum bar stock is T0, T4 or T6? Do I need to buy a gauge? What type?
Reply:The most convenient one I found is here:[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Flexbar-Quick-Check-Portable-Hardness-Tester/dp/B001CTN8M0[/ame]However, it only reads down to 20 RC ~ 225 BHN.  The hardness of the different tempers range from 30-95 BHN.  So it cannot be used to determine the temper of aluminum.This link should be a tester capable of the range you need:[ame]http://www.amazon.com/HBC-Hbc-Brinnell-Hardness-Tester/dp/B001VXXSA4[/ame]To do this yourself is really a lab experiment.  If you would like me to describe the process, I most certainly can.  There is also a way to do it yourself with just the stuff you have that I can describe, but it's complex.
Reply:Thanks for the links Fegenbush. I spent the afternoon looking at a bunch of them.As it would happen the foundry  was here dropping off castings and they have a tester... so I sent them with a couple pieces to test. I'll know more on Monday.
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireThanks for the links Fegenbush. I spent the afternoon looking at a bunch of them.As it would happen the foundry  was here dropping off castings and they have a tester... so I sent them with a couple pieces to test. I'll know more on Monday.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireHi forhire, keep your eyes on those two links for a wish list. You don't use them often in a small shop, but they definitely can make the difference between you and "Goober down the street"!!!! I'm not sure but I think the aluminum guys will test with a macro hardness tester (wish list for when you get your large shop).
Reply:Originally Posted by FegenbushThis link should be a tester capable of the range you need:http://www.amazon.com/HBC-Hbc-Brinne.../dp/B001VXXSA4To do this yourself is really a lab experiment.  If you would like me to describe the process, I most certainly can.  There is also a way to do it yourself with just the stuff you have that I can describe, but it's complex.