Hot Blue??

Michael J. Spangler

Michael J. Spangler

Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
2,181
alright guys.
whats the best stuff to use? i know brownells sells some different types but what should i go with and how should i contain it?
i just don't like the idea of the stuff that need like 600 degrees to work. i don't wanna ruin the temper of a blade.

and i know your stuff crawls all over the place IG. can't keep the stuff in a container at all. any solutions guys? i'd like to do some work with this stuff but gotta make it clean.

p.s. anyone looking to go halfs on a can of this stuff, or anyone got some spare stuff they're looking to sell or trade for? thanks guys

Mike
 
Brownells has one called Oxynate 7, you only have to take it to 293 degrees.
 
Michael J. Spangler said:
alright guys.
whats the best stuff to use? i know brownells sells some different types but what should i go with and how should i contain it?
i just don't like the idea of the stuff that need like 600 degrees to work. i don't wanna ruin the temper of a blade.



Mike
Click to expand...

This is Brownell's hot bluing - Oxynate 7 - done at 293 degrees. Overall process from start to finish takes about 1 1/2 hours, (not including MAKING the parts!)
Protects the pieces just like gun bluing and does not affect the temper at that range.
There will be an initial expense however!
ab-1.jpg
 
The 600-degree stuff is Nitre blue. It's a different process than typical hot bluing and, of course, will affect your temper. It can be used to get colors from straw-gold (about 400F, if I remember correctly), through violet to that striking medium blue (about 500F or 550F). It's not as durable a finish as the Oxynate 7.
 
I use Oxynate #7 from Brownells. The 292f is easy to reach and maintain. It comes with very good directions. Its best to keep the process outside or at least away from tools and machinery as the corrosion is the biggest concern. It really makes a nice deep black color.
 
Brownell's Oxynate 7 is the way to go. I blue several guns per year and long ago gave up the fertilizer and lye homemade stuff.

If you are going to blue anything other than mild steel you probably want to get a bottle of their Oxynate S additive as well. It will keep down the red and purple colors that you get from some alloys.

Be sure to follow their directions.
 
sounds good guys i like these ideas.

i've been dying to try some knives hot blued.

how durable is the finish? i know how it holds up on a gun, but a knife i think would wear more.


Hey Man I'll go halfs with you, next paycheck i'll order the stuff up. then i'll see ya when ya hit georges
 
Hot blue will completly destroy any aluminum part you put in it. Brass/bronze or any alloy containing copper will surive the dip in the hot solution but it will ruin the the entire bath.
 
You buy the pots from Brownells also - they come as "tanks" - 1/4 tank, 1/2 tank, full tank. Basically 6 X 6 X 10 or 20 or 40". They are iron tanks. Any other alloys will neutralize the salts.
Get the Brownells catalog!
 
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