I like Damascus's idea of using a long piece of all-thread to secure the stoppers, but my boiling tank would not be long enough for a few inches of all-thread sticking out of the ends of 30" tubes. Maybe a piece of all-thread just a bit longer than the barrels with a couple pieces of flat stock for hooks/handles, held on by the same nuts that secure the plugs...
No need for a pipe or multiple burners. Less fuel consumption, and the guy claimed that most of the original gun manufacturers used steam.
I agree that this is a great thread, and there are always new techniques to learn from the experiences of others.
Keith:
I do quite a few high gloss rust blue barrel jobs along with many regular finish jobs and cleanliness is utmost in my operation. Both my rusting tanks are 42" long welded steel. I installed electric heating elements in both ends which boil very even and consistent without the mess and uneven boiling associated with gas burners. I have used both of these boiling tanks for years without any problems.
I have used rod stock with fender washers and machined plugs, of various materials, that I made for different barrel sets that work quite satisfactory when I need them and choose to use them.
Tony Treadwell used my idea and fashioned his boiling tanks like mine and he was very pleased. PM me if you have any questions, good luck.
Best Regards,
