Is there a reason you aren't supposed to use a cast iron tank or are supposed to use a stainless tank for boiling? I was told never to use a non stainless tank, but never got a reason.

#2. Where can I find Mark Lee #3 online? or do I need to order it direct. I tried to buy Gun Goddess but was turned down because I wasn't a smith and didn't have enough experience. Pilkington's hasn't blown my socks off so far.


Thanks in advance

I have used one and it worked fine. My system that I bought used is all stainless now. You can not use a stainless tank with caustic salt bluing but never heard that about black iron and rust bluing.

quote:

Originally posted by Lfaler:
Is there a reason you aren't supposed to use a cast iron tank or are supposed to use a stainless tank for boiling? I was told never to use a non stainless tank, but never got a reason.

#2. Where can I find Mark Lee #3 online? or do I need to order it direct. I tried to buy Gun Goddess but was turned down because I wasn't a smith and didn't have enough experience. Pilkington's hasn't blown my socks off so far.


Thanks in advance

Lfaler,

I'd really like to know who would not sell you Gun Godess because you weren't a smith and don't have enough experience. Half Moon Rifle Shop? To answer you original question, I do believe Brownells carries Mark Lee products.

Yes, it was half moon. But to be fair, he wasn't a jerk about it at all. He asked me how many guns I blued and said he just had a lot of personal reservations about selling me the stuff since I was inexperienced. Was very polite about it, but I am just hard headed. I figure if I screw up, it is my fault and I'll deal with it. So I'll just try the other brands. No harm no foul.

Strange attitude for Jim to take. All the rust bluing solutions are an acid and can do damage if not handled properly. I use it and have used others and never had any problems with any of it.

quote:

Originally posted by Customstox:
Strange attitude for Jim to take. All the rust bluing solutions are an acid and can do damage if not handled properly. I use it and have used others and never had any problems with any of it.

I thought it was a little weird considering how many people on here say that have ordered it before, but that is his business. Nothing to get my feathers ruffled about.

I just talked to Jim about it last week. He told me that he is currently redoing the instruction sheet that comes with it. So, when he gets that redone I think he will sell it to anyone who wants to buy it. Otherwise, have your gunsmith order it for you.

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
I just talked to Jim about it last week. He told me that he is currently redoing the instruction sheet that comes with it. So, when he gets that redone I think he will sell it to anyone who wants to buy it. Otherwise, have your gunsmith order it for you.

Thanks for the info...I may give him another try

I've been using a stainless boil tank for almost 20 years.

Both type tanks will work,but stainless is more desireable! The blueing salts won,t affect them to any extend,were iron tanks will need to be replaced in time. VAN

You can use an aluminum raingutter and it will work just fine.

Brent

quote:

Originally posted by Brent:
You can use an aluminum raingutter and it will work just fine.

Brent

Hey Thanks! I had actually wondered about that. How do you seal the ends effectively to keep it from leaking.

Gutters as sold with end caps or as extras parts. They are molded to fit on the ends and intended to be caulked in place. Caulking with silicone works just fine, but the heat tends to weaken the bond, not the seal, but the strength is compromised. So, add a few sheet metal screws. Easily done in 2 minutes.

You will need to use something else for a cover. I use a board - not good. It gets charred and may eventually catch fire. I'm looking for a piece of aluminum flashing.

Brent

quote:

Originally posted by Brent:
You can use an aluminum raingutter and it will work just fine.

Brent

My first slow rust bluing efforts were boiled in a tank made of aluminum rain gutter. I sealed the ends with high temperature silicon(gasket silicon). Never had a leak

I used folded aluminum foil as a lid.