Mixing bluing solution? I have the saltpeter, and lye.

Ardent

Ardent

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I've got pure saltpeter, and lye, and given that these are two of the principle components of bluing solution along with water, anyone know the ratios and system to mix it? I'm making my own double rifle, as per the other thread in this forum, and like to do everything I can myself, and make as much of everything as I can and that would include my solution if possible.

Let me know what you know :)
 
there is a book of recipes and techniques

the Handbook of Blueing and Browning Firearms. I've read it, its great. WSS has it in Wpg. Check your local gun store or library.
 
Whats your source for the saltpeter ?? I've read bluing recipes for ammonium nitrate, and sodium nitrate ...... but both are difficult to get cause everyone thinks your a terrorist. :redface:
 
Nonus said:
salt peter + sugar + heat + Anarchist Cookbook = fun.
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Mix equal parts in a piece of paper towel or a kleenex, mix, twist into a little bundle and tie with a piece of string.
Place inside pumpkin, ignite the kleenex, ring the doorball and run.:D
This little piece of info cost a certain 12 yr old a whole lot of trouble but I'm glad to say the arson charges were dropped. Salt peter was removed from the shelves of all pharmacies in Mississauga and put behind the counter.
It was fun while it lasted
 
"Nitre blue ("Shooting & Fishing," about 1898)

"At Springfield Armoury a mixture of saltpetre (potassium nitrate) and 8 to 10% manganese peroxide is thoroughly mixed and heated to about 200⁰C (390⁰F), at which temperature a pinch of sawdust dropped onto it briskly burns off. The degreased parts are stirred about in it for 5 minutes, or until the desired colour is obtained, freed from adherent saltpetre with hot water, darkened in hot whale oil, cleaned with gasoline and finally oiled.

"According to Hartmann, a temperature of 315⁰C (600⁰F), that is, about the melting point of saltpetre, is necessary for producing a deep blue colour: the same author (and many others) state that the addition of manganese peroxide is of no special advantage, save a slight quickening of the process."

Taken from Firearm Blueing and Browning by R. H. Angier Engineer-Graduate, Liége University and Arms Technician, Thomas G. Samworth, 1936, ISBN 0-8117-0610-0, p.123
 
Well, apparently I'm half decent at case colouring at least. Did this the old fashioned way, the tangs for my double rifle, came out great.

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Yep, case colours are a mottled pattern of hues. I quite like them, they were used a lot a century ago when case hardening was required to harden the surface of low carbon steel receivers. The colour variety is provided by impurities that impregnate themselves into the surface of the steel during the case hardening process.
 
Have you thought about slow rust blueing? Chemicals are easy to find, and the most hazardous part is boiling water. I've done it on an old Savage 1899 and I'm quite pleased with the results. It takes probably several days to get it right, but easy and safe.
 
I have used the homemixed hot nitrate/caustic blue. Works fine. It is not pleasant stuff to work with, boiling at some 285 degrees F. Be careful. To control the boiling temperature, which rises as water boils off, you do not turn down the burner - you add more water. Interesting when the solution is much above the boiling point of water.
Have also used the Radocy hot water blue. Much friendlier to use than nitrate/caustic, a bit slower. Does an excellent job.
There are also various browning methods. Some use hot water, some use boxes for controlled humidity.
Not relevant for your project, of course, but Radocy parkerizing works really well, and is very easy to use.
The various coating products are also very usable for modern firearms.
 
Ardent said:
Yea, I had decided on rust bluing at first, good chance I'll still go that way, did you use Brownell's mix?

And here you go Levi:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292483&page=6
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I've use the Laurel Mtn product to rust blue a number of rifles - always with good results. It is the only rust bluing solution that they will ship outside the USA.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7780&title=BARREL%20BROWN%20&%20DEGREASER
 
There is a gunnut goes by boss hogg he sells rust bluing solution he's from red deer alberta good to deal with will send you great instructions with blueing solution.


Clay
 
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