doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Backer for barrel prep prior to rust blue

I've searched for previous posts on preping bbls for a slow rust blue and can't find any specifics on what to use as a backer or block for sanding or steel wooling barrels. I've read that using a backer for sandpaper is a must, but not sure if same applies to steel wool. My question is whether the backer should be a flat surface, or a contoured surface that meets the shape of the outside diameter of the barrel. I sure would appreciate hearing from you folks who do this on your own as well.

Best,
jmc

jmc,

Depends on what part of the barrels you're polishing. I use a
half-dozen different items - medium hard felt, rubber tubing, hard wood blocks, flat files - all have different uses for metal polishing.

Turnbull Restorations sells an excellent instructional DVD on metal preparation. It should answer all of your questions and you can watch the techniques being done.

Dan

Thanks Dan. I did not know of the Turnbull video and will likely check it out. I'll probably hit the local hardware shop and look for useful materials and build a couple of blocks.

jmc,

No problem. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other
questions. The video is really good but not totally
comprehensive and I might be able to give you some more
pointers.

dan@classicgunstocks.com

Use a flat 1/4" piece of cork like the have on cork board or cork tiles. cut it any size you want. you can get it at some ace hardware or walmart stores. use some of the leftover for padding on a wood backer for your vise jaws. it works great and really holds odd shapes in the vise. much better than lead or rubber and it's cheap and easily replacable