Think of it as planning , there are numerous techniques dependent on how much and why . It can be done using "strikers" or "floats" ,these are specially made files or rather shaped steel blocks some 8inches by 2inches in different widths ,with flat , rounded , or angled faces that have been file cut ,that is have a file edge cut onto them .
Coupled with various files of different profiles and a whole lot of practice and patience barrels were struck up smooth . They would them be smoothed or clothed up and eventually polished with decreasing grits of abrasive .
Draw filing is also employed usually using the front flat edge of a mill smooth file held against the barrel using the first finger [warped in a cloth]of one hand as a guide and using both hands moving along the barrel at 90 degrees to the tube constantly moving over the area and length dependent on whether you are simply taking out machine marks or shaping the barrel/rib profile .
It is hard work and hard on the hands and as said takes time and practice and constant checking by eye as well as by measurement to get right .
Last edited by gunman; 10/25/15 04:22 PM.
