Next up: Color Case Hardening.

[aviator41]

I recently picked up three firearms from Uberti, two 1873 SAA's and an 1873 lever action since we're now all hopelessly hooked on cowboy action shootin. While I really like actions on these guns (they've all been 'slicked up'), the chemical case colors leave are of lower quality than what you would get with a true color case hardening process.

Which got me thinking "how hard can color case hardening be?"

So, this is gong to be my next project. I plan on making my own bone charcoal (bovine and deer) to mix with wood charcoal. Right now, the only thing I'm missing is a furnace

Anyone else ever try Color Case Hardening?

I'd love to hear some tips/tricks and advice!

 

[dieseltech09]

No tips or tricks but I cant wait to see your results. I thought the '73 Uberti's were still done with real color case hardening and not acid? Are you going to coat them afterwards to protect the finish? I seem to remember reading somewhere that Turnbull coats theirs with something to help protect the finish? I want a 1911 with a Royal Blue frame and case hardened slide.

 

[aviator41]

Not sure how to protect the finish or even if a protectant is needed. The Ubertis are case hardened, but the color is derived by acid. Apparently the choice to do it this way was based on cost. I can understand that.

The 1911 you mention sounds like it would be stunning!

 

[tRidiot]

Hmmm... I guess I'm a noob, 'cause I don't even know what this is. Lol

Aaaaaaaaand it's off to Google yet again, lol.

 

[264killer]

I would watch lotts of YOUTUBE vids to start. Had a friend who was no dummy warp a marlin receiver . the end of his case hardening.

 

[dieseltech09]

I think this is similar to what I read somewhere that Turnbull's uses.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/815010/galazan-case-color-lacquer-3oz

 

[dieseltech09]

Had a friend who was no dummy warp a marlin receiver . the end of his case hardening.

thats what i would be worried about. Turnbull mfg charges $200 for the Single Action pistols. And their coloring some of the best looking I have ever seen.
http://www.turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=20180&catid=19872

 

[aviator41]

Yep, this process is not for the faint of heart for sure! My plans are to use some steel plate for experimentation to get charcoal mixes right, and work with temps and times and learn about things like warpage.

It's a rare process these days and usually reserved for high dollar guns or fine restorations. Very few smiths out there have the capabilities (and even fewer the tools) to do this. I can substantiate the cost since I can use the furnace for annealing and hardening.

Can you tell gunsmithing techniques fascinate me? LOL. I plan on attending a few tech school classes in the near future, just not sure where. The technical side of it fits me perfectly.

Soon, checkering. I'm not artistic enough to do engraving so that will be one skill I will probably elude me.

 

[MCVetSteve]

Yep, this process is not for the faint of heart for sure! My plans are to use some steel plate for experimentation to get charcoal mixes right, and work with temps and times and learn about things like warpage.

It's a rare process these days and usually reserved for high dollar guns or fine restorations. Very few smiths out there have the capabilities (and even fewer the tools) to do this. I can substantiate the cost since I can use the furnace for annealing and hardening.

Can you tell gunsmithing techniques fascinate me? LOL. I plan on attending a few tech school classes in the near future, just not sure where. The technical side of it fits me perfectly.

Soon, checkering. I'm not artistic enough to do engraving so that will be one skill I will probably elude me.

Canadian valley technical