Might try Rust Bluing. How do I boil big parts?

RHarris · June 13, 2002, 12:52 AM

I'm considering attempting to use a rust bluing kit from Brownell's (Belgian blue or Pilikingtons). From what I have read, there is a step requiring the parts to be immersed in boiling water. That presents a little problem. What kind of container to I boil water in that will accomodate an entire rifle barrel? Is submersion in boiling water absolutely necessary to rust blue a firearm?

George Stringer · June 13, 2002, 06:06 AM

You can buy a tank from Brownells or make one/have one made locally. The tank has to be long enough to hold your longest part and the heat source should be able to bring the water to a boil. Boiling the parts is a necessary step as it turns the red oxide into black oxide. George

'01 GSR · June 17, 2002, 11:00 AM

Just in case someone isn't thinking about this possibility, make sure to plug the barrel so as not to rust the bore.

Alex Johnson · June 17, 2002, 03:44 PM

I use a trick picked up from John Bivins, he coats the inside of the barrel with a varnish to protect the rifling from the water and the corrosive chemicals, it wipes out with solvent afterwards. I still use the wooden dowels (they give you something to hang onto), but I don't worry about the bore during the operation.

gundog98k · June 22, 2002, 01:33 PM

My old shop teacher did his own blueing. He made his own tank by welding two pieces of 3/16"x 6" flat stock into a "V" shape and welding flat covers over the ends. Took me about 1/2 hour to weld for him. Worked well.

June 13, 2002, 12:52 AM	#1
RHarris Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2000 Posts: 416	Might try Rust Bluing. How do I boil big parts? I'm considering attempting to use a rust bluing kit from Brownell's (Belgian blue or Pilikingtons). From what I have read, there is a step requiring the parts to be immersed in boiling water. That presents a little problem. What kind of container to I boil water in that will accomodate an entire rifle barrel? Is submersion in boiling water absolutely necessary to rust blue a firearm?

June 17, 2002, 03:44 PM	#4
Alex Johnson Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2000 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 812	I use a trick picked up from John Bivins, he coats the inside of the barrel with a varnish to protect the rifling from the water and the corrosive chemicals, it wipes out with solvent afterwards. I still use the wooden dowels (they give you something to hang onto), but I don't worry about the bore during the operation. __________________ I thoroughly disapprove of duels. I consider them unwise and I know they are dangerous. Also, sinful. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet retired spot and kill him. - Mark Twain

June 22, 2002, 01:33 PM	#5
gundog98k Member Join Date: March 31, 2002 Location: Cesspool of suburbia (not by choice) Posts: 62	rust blueing tank My old shop teacher did his own blueing. He made his own tank by welding two pieces of 3/16"x 6" flat stock into a "V" shape and welding flat covers over the ends. Took me about 1/2 hour to weld for him. Worked well. __________________ Don't believe everything you think.VOTE LIBERTARIAN!

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June 13, 2002, 06:06 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	You can buy a tank from Brownells or make one/have one made locally. The tank has to be long enough to hold your longest part and the heat source should be able to bring the water to a boil. Boiling the parts is a necessary step as it turns the red oxide into black oxide. George

June 17, 2002, 11:00 AM	#3
'01 GSR Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2002 Posts: 168	Just in case someone isn't thinking about this possibility, make sure to plug the barrel so as not to rust the bore.