Enlightenment ....

[B. Hey]

I don't post very often, but life sometimes opens our eyes to reveal a deeper understanding of something. That happened to me today. Finally been able to start a long awaited build. During my planning stage I decided to build this gun in the white. I have always browned barrels, locks, etc. Well, today I gained a new understanding and respect for those who finish their work in the white. I spent an hour on the top flat of the barrel and still have So much more to do. Such a challenge usually brings greater satisfaction in the end. I have also learned the first name of those builders .... That would be "Sir". Take care ... Bill

[PPatch]

Yep, draw filing is work, the final smoothing even more. I hate it when a little metal chip gets under the file and scores the barrel.

With deliberation is the way to go. Good luck Sir.

dave

[rich pierce]

Polishing locks is work

[Mark Elliott]

I do all that even if I am going to be applying a patina to the metal.  It IS a lot of work.  That is why I have to charge as much as I do for my work.   On barrels,  I find that draw filing is a sufficient finish.   I really can't improve it unless I am gong to use finer than a 320 grit abrasive.  I use a mill file for draw filing the barrel; use chalk, and clean often.   By cleaning often, I mean every few strokes.   The last thing I want is a piece of metal getting stuck in the file.   I think it saves time in the long run if you don't have to redo work due to a pill.   I am just generally getting more particular about how I do these basic tasks.    I am not alone in that.   It seems to me that the best builders here take that approach. 

As to locks,  I have recently found little man made abrasive "stones".    I purchased an assortment of 1/8" square stones from http://www.congresstools.com for cleaning up locks.    The stones are much faster and produce better edges than emery cloth and silicon carbide paper backed by files.  They are great for the stepped bevels on the edge of some plates, inside the cock, and the frizzen.   Just order yourself an assortment pack and give them a try.  They are relatively inexpensive.   I seem to keep going back to the YL Oil stones.

[Bob Roller]

Yep, draw filing is work, the final smoothing even more. I hate it when a little metal chip gets under the file and scores the barrel.

With deliberation is the way to go. Good luck Sir.

dave

I draw file my mainsprings before they are bent and use a few drops of threading fluid
on the surface and no chips are noticed. I did the same on barrels.

Bob Roller

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

On my English Stalking Rifle I left the metal all in the white and polished it with up to 1600 grit.......... put Renaissance Wax on it ..3 years ago.... it is still bright and shiny.... the more mirror finish the more it resists rust I guess....  course the wax helps.... Oh and the abrasive works fast once you have the big stuff off by draw filing.

[kaintuck]

Mark, which set did you get?

marc