Hawken Flintlock Kit
Last Post 14 Mar 2013 04:13 PM by SFC B. 5 Replies.
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DenBobUser is Offline

DenBob Send Private Message Posts:18
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16 Jan 2011 05:59 PM
I'm go'in to start to build my own Hawken flintlock. But have a question someone may be able to help me with. I'll be blueing my barrel with one of the kits, my problem is I have cripple'in arthritis and my fingers are not made to fit into rubber gloves. Is there an alternative to handle'in the blueing without injure'in myself?
BILL VAN STEAMBURGUser is Offline

BILL VAN STEAMBURG Send Private Message Posts:3
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18 Jan 2011 06:26 AM
denbob,
I'm a retired gunsmith and have done considerable work on from scratch Hawken and Longrifle muzzleloaders using both browning and bluing solutions. What I have used for applying the solutions is simply a cotton ball clamped in a spring type clothes pin which makes a handy applicator and of course keeps your skin away from the juice. If this is your first time using cold bluing solutions be advised that it takes many applications so don't get discouraged just keep going until you get the finish you like.
wevan1
ShilohUser is Offline

Shiloh Send Private Message Posts:545
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18 Jan 2011 09:22 AM

Denbob, you need not worry about the bluing or browning solutions you will be using.  These will not harm you at all if they get on your skin.  The trick to getting good results is to polish the metal uniformly with emory paper, lubed with mineral spirits or kerosene.  Polish to about the 240 grit for browning and 320 or 400 grit for bluing.  You cannot get really good results with the "cold" solutions unless you leave enough grit in the polish for it to "bite" and work.  I have done many gun parts with the cold-blues and entire guns with Laurel Mt. browning and have found out that to work it needs this grit.  As for the bluing, you must degrease it with acetone or alcohol beforehand, and do not touch the metal after that except with a clean towel, paper towel, cotton glove, etc.  As for Laurel Mt. browning, it will work through fingerprints and even light oil, but needs humidity to work well.  This time of year when it is cold and the air is dry, I hang the browning barrels in my bathroom so each shower gives it a jolt of humidity and I get good results.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this or want a good salts-blue, I will happily toss the parts into the next salts-bath I run which is done in my shop about weekly.  E-mail me at libertytree@peoplepc.com if you want me to do this.

 

I like my guns towed & crew-served! http://www.nps.gov/stri/ http://www.blockaderunner.com/ http://www.9thky.org/
DenBobUser is Offline

DenBob Send Private Message Posts:18
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06 Feb 2011 07:01 AM
Thanks alot fellas for the info. I have done stock work in the past but the only blueing was touch up. Sory I didn't reply sooner but had a lil' health trouble my self and then my mother who is 88 but we're all straightened out now.
sscott14User is Offline

sscott14 Send Private Message Posts:5
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05 Sep 2012 06:46 AM
Yes there is a lotion you can buy. All you do is rub on your hands and it acts like a glove, protecting your hands. Walmart sells it.
SFC BUser is Offline

SFC B Send Private Message Posts:86
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14 Mar 2013 04:13 PM
bump
Never apologize for being a Patriot!! SFC B


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