Gil,
The only rusting agent I have used so far is Laurel Mountain Forge's. I first sand the barrels with 220 grit cloth backed, and move to 320 grit cloth backed going in one direction only. The first set of sxs barrels I did were in a large clear plastic bag with a cup of hot water and let sit for 3 1/2 hours. I then put them in a 48" long x 6" x 6" aluminum tank I built with a lid that I used for steam bending chair backs. I leave them in there for 5 minutes with a Coleman two burner camp stove under them. I then take them outside and run cold water over them as I am cardilng them with a brown Scotch Brite pad. Same procedure about 5 times or until barrel looks right.
I like to do Damascus barrels and I use the same process but use the etchant (Radio Shack) after the second rusting and leave them in a vertical pvc tank for 10 seconds and then bring them outside and card them the same way under running water.
After the first attempt at rusting I made a plywood box 36" long x 6" x 6" with a lid and use a hot plate to keep the water warm, and also have a hole cut in the top where I can put a lamp with a shroud around it in the hole to help with moisture. Works well.
I tried doing a Damascus barrel in the winter, and could not get enough moisture to rust properly. It came out blotchy. I'll have to do it over again.
Last edited by JDW; 07/29/09 05:51 PM.
