doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com color case hardening

thinking along the same line myself Travis.

Hereford

Any report back on last nights adventures ?

Not yet. My problem I believe is definitely in the quench. I have a plate now so that it will directly fall into the water with no space. I have thought of dropping the whole crucible and contents with lid removed in my quench barrel but was unsure if I would loose hardness that way?????

Sounds like a good way to put some dings in nicely polished metal.

Looking forward to seeing the results. The Marlincollectors thread was really fun to watch unfold. Maybe this will become another like it.

Well after 3 runs I have found a way to get consistent colors using my setup. Thanks for the help. I would post a picture but since I lost everything on photobucket I haven't used them or a source like that for uploads. I built a taller crucible and shield setup which seams to have been the ticket to hold the coals closer to the receiver as it drops.

Send me your pics of the color harden parts and your set up and I will post them for you.
Steve

Pics for Hereford:

Definitely looks different than first pics. Lots more blue but seems to have completely alleviated any of the straw/tan colors. Anyone want to analyze what they see in regards to air exposure and/or Charcoal mix? I do not have the experience but generally I like what you are doing there.

To what grit did you do final polishing?

Also how does re-CCH'ing affect areas like between the flats, and the inner receiver recesses where you cannot get as polished as the exterior surfaces? Is it even that important to prep beyond excellent cleaning in those areas prior to CCH'ing?

Thanks SKB for posting. This was reused 4 parts wood to 1 part bone for 1.5hrs at 1375f. This was polished to around 1000 grit. I have buffed before and gotten same results. Side shields were used similar to Oscar Gaddys article. Out of bone but will next switch to a 2:1 or 1:1 to attain the more globular appearance. All I polish is exterior. I feel I am getting alot closer to those found on original LC Smith's I have or seen.

Certainly seem to be moving closer. I wish we were in close proximity to each other I would come over and be your gopher. Please keep us posted of your progress.