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2 members (NZHunter, SKB),
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Forums10
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,862 |
I've just finished restoring the barrels of two English guns, a Model 1891 Bonehill with twist barrels that will be a gift to my English Machinist, and a 2-Iron Birmingham damascus gun that belongs to a board member who also happens to be my Gunsmith. Some of you may have seen the damascus gun, as he had it with him at the Great Northern. The process was fairly involved, in order to achieve the deep plum color yet maintain the desired high contrast. The coloring process (after all prep) included two different etchants used four times, three different rusting solutions at four different strengths and approx 11 rusting cycles, three different wire wheels, and five different abrasives. All to develop contrast early and maintain it throughout the process. The intent now is not to merely achieve a professional standard, but one of accurate, exhibition quality. I consider the time and effort well spent. Twist 2 Iron Damascus Regards Ken
I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 753 |
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Wow! You certainly achieved your goal! I think they are beautiful. Do you think it likely American makers opted for B&W because it was much easier to achieve the contrast quicker?
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 764 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 764 Likes: 19 |
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Doug
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,260 Likes: 510
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,260 Likes: 510 |
Those CL barrels belong to a body action gun. Note the sugar tongs forend lump. Nice barrels. Some of the best made at the time. Can't wait to see the after browning pics. I've got a nice set of Scott barrels you could play with Doug ;-)
Dustin
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,862
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,862 |
Thanks everyone.
Joe,
No doubt American Black is a somewhat simpler process. The Bonehill twist barrels actually took many more cycles than the damascus ones in order to bring out the contrast. I suspect the Model 1891 was a less expensive gun than their previous models (due to McKinley Tariff) and used less-expensive barrels. The shading is also much more subtle. I colored them brown due to my machinist's preference, it's possible the gun was originally finished in Black & White for the American market.
Doug,
I suspect the high polish is somewhat overkill due to the etches involved. I've gone to a very aggressive initial etch as per the Parker Process, and with at least three additional mild etches I'm fairly sure the ultra fine sanding is not necessary on pattern welded tubes like it is on fluid steel. I also use the maroon ScotchBrite pad for final burnishing before the initial etch, and it's considerably finer than 400 grit.
In my experience, blotches are caused by the initial rusting solution being too weak. It is important to use a solution with a strong initial "Bite" for even color coverage. The important thing that goes along with this is a very aggressive initial carding, almost to the point of complete removal, but leaving no visible flaws. Even under magnification. This provides the "Base" for all the additional cycles, preventing flaws, especially along the top rib, from developing.
I'm getting ready to do another member's Lang barrels shortly, I'm confident my process will "Do them Justice".
There are still three patterns out there that I admire, yet haven't had a chance to do yet. They are Etoile B.P., Chain (Chainette) and Bernard. I'd like to do them for my portfolio. If anyone has a set they'd like done, I'd do them at a very reasonable price. Of course, all others are welcome as well.
Regards Ken
I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,862
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,862 |
I'm still not satisfied with my pictures. Here they are again, after some tweaking. They look more like they should now, the plum color and contrast more pronounced.. Twist 2 Iron Damascus
I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,720 Likes: 48
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,720 Likes: 48 |
Ken you "tweaked" everything to plum.
David
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