How do most of you mark the caliber (or any other type info) on new barrels?

It my current job I am able to mark mine with a CNC mill, but my job is quickly going to China, and may not have this option at my next job.

I would think that stamping would be the most common, but that can look unprofessional if not done just right.

Have any of you tried acid etching? How much does the equipment cost?

Someone had suggested that I take one to a trophy shop?

Buck,

I use a stamp and spacer set along with an alignment jig.

I have a New Hermes pantograph.
Butch

I also use a New Hermes machine. I hate stamps.

I use an acid/electro etching system from Marking Methods Inc. in Ca. I make my own stencils on a typrwriter. Stencils are also available from Marking Methods. I think I paid around $600.00 in the early 90's.

Buck

I started with a small New Hermes and am now using a Preis. I will soon be switching to a Deckel. Moving on up... No real difference in the quality of the work, but the fancier machines are easier to set up.

I have seen the electo-chemical etching done by a Marking Methods machine. Nice but to my eyes not quite as crisp as cut markings. However, they are fast and will etch anything you can dream up. I recently checked into the kit and it is pushing hard on $1000 now.

If you are going to lose access to that CNC machine and decide to go with a pantograph engraver, start cutting yourself templates for the pantograph. Everything you can think of, barrel manufacturers, twist rates, your name/logo, and any caliber designation you can think of. Font sets are expensive and it is a lot easier to use a one piece premade template. 4:1 is a good ratio.


Glenn Fewless