Color case hardening, how do you do it?
If someone wanted to dabble in it where would you find the right information to pull it off in style?

This is absolutely something you don't dabble in. Go to www.doublegunshop.com and search for case color and the work Oscar Gaddy has done. Also look through old copies of Double Gun Journal. It is one of the most complex issues of gunsmithing.

Even the best at it aren't sure how each job will turn out before its done.

There are good tutorials in several gun books. One is in one of Guy Lautard's Machinist Reader series (The Bullseye Mixture IIRC) and the other is in one of the Brownell's Gunsmith Kinks series, probably either 3 or 4.

It's not witchcraft or rocket science but then again the results are not predictable either, especially under 'dabbling' conditions (grin).
Regards, Joe

Do an internet search. It is an interesting process. The big item, at least for me, would be the proper heat source. There is something about getting to 1400 degrees that might prove a problem. For the inexpensive minded, there is always Kasenit (sp). It could provide good color as opposed to finding bone scraps, etc. I have not tried it, but would love to if I can find a good heat source.

It isn't a DIY project as it has a very long learning curve. My Color Case Hardened rifle is fantastic and was done by www.turnbullmfg.com .He's one of the best.

Kasenite will not color; it only comes out gray. You have to use bone charcoal, mixed with wood charcoal, heat in a closed box for one hour at about 1400 degrees, then quench in cold water that has had air or oxygen bubbles run through it for an hour. simple process and everyone has their variations. Turnbull is the best and I have several pieces done by him. He is not cheap, though. Oh yeah, be careful with 4140 steel; you will make it brittle if you heat it too hot. Too much carbon.

You'll find a very good article on the subject in an old Double Gun Journal. A Google search will get you there.

http://www.doublegunshop.com/d...unjournal_v7i4_9.htm

Your best bet is to send it to Turnbull. Bailey Bradshaw is building me a SS and it has been sent off to Turnbull. They are doing the action, rings, pg cap, toe plates and sling swivels. I can't wait to see it.

Try visiting the marlin collectors website. There is lots of info and some photo's on the process from start to finish. It is not as diffucult as some would make it out to be.

There is another company, the Case Color Company?, but I can't find a website. They advertise in most of the better gun magazines.

I'm convinced that its more art than science. I've done it at least a dozen times and only had it come out pretty once.
Let the pros do it.

Cheers, John

The Case Color Company colored about 6 actions for me in the 90's. Don't know if they are still around but they did a fantastic job and no warping on the old Ballard and HiWall actions.

Keith Kilbey, from Wyoming Armory, has colored 7 of my Ballard and HiWall actions as well and they know how to get those colors correct. I'm having them color 3 Borchardts and 1 Ballard. Will post when I have that accomplished.

Dutch

Before you send a firearm to anyone make sure you understand what process they use and then look very closely at samples of their finished products. Not every process yields the same result and variations in tone and color mix are determined in part by the process. That is especially important if you are trying to get coloration that is historically accurate.

Turnbull is one of the best and has been doing it for quite a while. Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids MI is relatively new to the game but is recreating colors that rival any being created today. He has done quite a bit of work for me and the results are every bit as good as Turnbull and turn around much quicker.

quote:

Originally posted by Snellstrom:
Color case hardening, how do you do it?

I drive my parts over to John, he calls me in a couple of days and tells me to bring money.

www.classicgunsinc.com

quote:

Originally posted by fireball168:

quote:

Originally posted by Snellstrom:
Color case hardening, how do you do it?

I drive my parts over to John, he calls me in a couple of days and tells me to bring money.

www.classicgunsinc.com

My color hardening technique is remarkably similar to Mr. Fireball's. The only variation is the manner of delivery, as I use the USPS.

I am very pleased with Classic's work in every respect and can recommend them without hesitation.

Respectfully,

Glenn Fewless

Here are some small add-on's Turnbull has done for me...