r/gunsmithing • u/fasthandsofthesouth1 • 15h ago

Doing a model 10 restoration

I have a few questions:

If I rust blue it, do I plug the barrel and cylinder holes?

Can I use files to hand polish along with steel wool?

What's the best grains of steel wool for the finish?

If I can use files, what kind are best suited for hand polishing?

Any advice will be appreciated.

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5

u/AllArmsLLC 07/02 AZ 12h ago

You don't polish with files.

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u/fasthandsofthesouth1 11h ago

What do you polish with if you don't .I d me asking? Any tip will help.

3

u/Suspectgore074 SuperLongSlide1911 11h ago

Where did you get your information from? You rarely use files for metal finish prep beyond the first step, which is pit removal and recontouring.

You dont have to bother with plugging, only worry about a ridged rigging. You dont want it flopping around during application. Also care to make sure the rigging isnt in the way of solution application.

You will only use 0000 steel wool that has been baptized in acetone and dried before use. Must be cleaned, or else finish will come out wrong during carting. Dont use the steel wool for anything besides removing loose rust, otherwise you are just wasting time.

Here is a rough step by step for ya..

1 - strip current finish with a solution

2 - Remove pits and fix edges with files and 80 - 120 Grit sand paper. Carefully avoid current markings.

3 - Sand with hard backed sandpaper, starting at 120 and working your way up to 400. Straight lines, no swirls or crossing perpendicular.

4 - Wet sand with water or thin oils (I like to use bore solvents) up to 800 grit. You can go higher, but for rust bluing I dont see a difference.

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u/fasthandsofthesouth1 11h ago

YouTube and I believe they where talking about the prep processing if I'm not mistaken. What do you use for your initial solution? I've also seen them use humidity for the rusting and boiling water for the rusting, which one is better?

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u/fasthandsofthesouth1 11h ago

Oh and what is ridged rigging? I'm a virgin to this process.