Anvil 013: Rust Bluing on the Cheap

[@marknovak8255]

This was ReUploaded because the link on Bob's website was broken. Bob's site is rustblue.com in case you need that

[@FailedRanger]

hi Mark just had a quick question for you. For Enfields of the Number 4 pattern(ie the mark 1,mark 1/2, and mark 2) what type of paint did they use for the coating over the bluing. Ive got a 1949 dated number 4 mark 1 and a number 4 mark 1/2 and Ive been curious if A). was the paint anything specific and B). was repainting lee Enfields a common thing for the armorers to do when the rifles needed to be serviced and C). It that type of finishing work something I could do.

[@marknovak8255]

@@FailedRanger I do not know about the paint, what it's made of. Really, no knowledge but I'm open to learn. A. I think the paint was a cheap way to protect the gun , used to cut costs as the Empire fell apart. My belief is these rifles were not in service long enough to be re-arsenaled, B. so a repaint may not have happened. C. Most who paint (cerokote, etc) fail to account for the fabulous gunsmithing time commitment involved, and wind up drowning. Do the research and visit some painters prior to investing money and time.

[@felixthecat265]

@@marknovak8255 Guys.. the paint you want is SUNCORITE 259 don't know if you can source it your side of the Pond..!

[@FailedRanger]

Mark Novak thank you I’ll look into it and will keep you posted

[@Courier-Six]

Hey Mark, I just have a simple question. What did you guys use to affix the PVC pipe to the water pot? I think I heard it mentioned it was a toilet gasket or valve? I'm looking to rust blue my own Spanish Mauser 1916 after someone scrubbed the rifle clean of its markings and painted it and I hated the look of it.

[@richardheaton6406]

Wow nice job guy's i can remember my Dad redoing a lot of those of surplus guns back in the day when you got them out of drums at trade shows for $50 -$75 bucks he would work his job and on weekends go to a show buy a few of the different ones availible and for the next few weekends we spent time cleaning and repairing them then he would trade them or sale them and start over he always had a stack of hundred dollar bills in his wallet i do remember that those were the good old days miss that and my Dad but i do have the memories and a little knowledge on some of the repairs like you did today thanks for the video and for taking the time to allow us the next generation to see how your minds are working

[@ikeizham]

That must of been awesome to be apart of.

[@This_is_my_real_name]

@@ikeizham -- It must have been before 1968!

[@charleskay2383]

I'm a beginning gunsmith and want to focus on the restoration and repair of older weapons. This episode exactly shows what I want to do. Thanks, much guys, very informative.

[@Je3perscre3pers]

Same. Millennial gunsmith. His stuff is great

[@aardvark5730]

Same

[@automat9226]

Thank you for continuing to reupload these. Very valuable, informative, and entertaining.

[@sr20ser.]

I have to say that Bob is one helluva great guy to deal with. He was quick to answer my emails and give advice on what to use to restore an old H&R .32 revolver. I can't say enough nice things about the guy. And a huge thank you to Mark for having him on here, and giving a good demonstration to give me some confidence in learning a new process.

[@mikehoncho6768]

A year in gunsmithing school, to get a certifacate. But i have learned alot if not more from you mark. It is much appreciated.

[@marknovak8255]

The school experience did allowed you to get much more out of me than if you were not exposed to their curriculum. Just sayin.....

[@mikehoncho6768]

@@marknovak8255 you are correct, i would not know half the stuff you are talking about. But i still apreciate the in depth videos. Your amazing.

[@joshuawhitten5331]

I actually found Mark because SDI used one of his videos in a lesson. I love you guys, WE ARE THE CARBON BASED LIFEFORMS!

[@ekscalybur]

I've been waiting for this to get reuploaded. Thanks Mark!

[@gerarddecosta1738]

I've watched a good number of Mark's videos. I totally enjoy them and have learned a number of things. I'm not interested in going down the rabbit hole myself. I just enjoy all of the projects. Thank you Mark

[@cipherzero1115]

Absolutely amazing job. I know I don't need to tell you that haha but I absolutely love how you bring these old guns back to life. I very much enjoy watching you, Mark and friends, work. 🤘🤘

[@seamasrigh2162]

Thing is this is no longer a $150 rifle. Prices are reflecting the world shortages of everything, plus the reality that these rifles are going away. Tucked into safes or under beds or bubba'd to death or neglected to the point of no return. This channel has made me re-think my maintenance routines on my milsurps. Today, a $600 bill to restore may be justifiable (how much would you put into a 65 Chevelle?) but that $600 job is now about $1000. What's it mean to you? I'm steaming, carding and caring - it's why I got them in the first place. Time to do some bluing. Thanks Mark and Bob.

[@joenoffsinger6376]

A real awesome video in so many ways. I wish I saw more of the glass repair but have seen another of your videos about that. Your rant was on target, I would add IMO that a mill surp in this condition is something easier to fall in love with than a NIB AR15. Loved hanging out with you guys!

[@harrybattista1437]

Thank you Mark and your friend Bob for the great video of restoration.

[@TheInquisitiveCat]

I wish you had been on KZbin about 30 years ago. I have learned more in a few hours than I have in my 78 years - great therapeutic value for me - thanks Mark!

[@johnbrady1211]

Well I'm just a young 66, but like you, I get great enjoyment from this channel. Nothing like watching the masters work.

[@robertl6196]

Ironically enough, this video drops today. I was out earlier this morning shooting my 1908 vintage Spanish Mauser. The long rifle version. What a gem. I suspect someone did a very good refurb on it at some point; it looks ten years old, not 112. Shoots like a champ, but the tiny sights are tough on my weak eyes.

[@80spodcastchannel]

add on a sight base scope mount and shoot it with a mid range intermediate scope...kinda like the Jeff Cooper Scout rifle, no damage to the gun and helps old eyes see better LINK www.galatiinternational.com/1935-chilean-mauser-scout-mount-includes-rings-sk-scope-mounts.html

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@80spodcastchannel will second that.

[@curiousentertainment3008]

@@80spodcastchannel you watch mark too? Hell yeah.

[@itatane]

Love this video! This is something I have done to old tools as well. Rust bluing rates right up there with hand rubbed linseed oil finish for simple things that make such a difference.

[@michaelrobbins6694]

We have not forgotten! The reboots are just as awesome!

[@FrednDeeDee]

So I'm on the hunt for a former Martini/Henry that became a Martini/Enfield .303, because I want one to hunt deer with. Why else, you ask, because I saw the movie Zulu a bunch of times and I want one. I will be refurbishing the rifle myself because I want to. I will do all the care and preservation myself and being retired and caught all the way up to 2019 with the dang Honey Do Lists I have plenty of time to do so. After 54 years of punching a time clock I find that I can finally enjoy doing things I love to do for myself. With your videos, along with my own life experiences, I plan on hunting deer next year with an oldie but goodie Martini/Enfield from the late 1800s. Keep up the outstanding videos for us who love guns and love to tinker with them.

[@murrayandru7527]

Nothing Better than a Mark Novak Video !! Thank you for sharing , watching is EASY !

[@notchagrandpa8875]

Now what this rifle needs is a light coat of oil and a home in Arizona, Nevada, or Colorado some place with relatively low humidity and in another 100 years it will still look as good as it does today. Great job on the restoration guys and I applaud you for intentionally leaving the battle scars intact instead of trying to turn an old rifle into a new rifle, people that attempt those types of restorations destroy the history of a military rifle in my opinion.

[@DesertrRat]

Thank you for the repost and the instructional. Now off to finish 60 years of deferred maintenance.

[@emoryzakin2576]

Mark, I can't tell you how many times I've watched and rewatched these videos but I've got to thank you brother! Seriously!

[@ZGryphon]

I've seen it in print before, but I think Mark is the only person I've ever heard actually use the word "chancre" in spoken conversation.

[@johnmcmorris1170]

This is great stuff! I have been collecting milsurps for about 20 years and taking the down to clean them for storage. You guys are helping me go to the next level. Thanks!

[@lstevens2834]

Cannot thank you guys enough for showing this. I have a number of old surplus and sporting arms with poor to nonexistent finishes and now I can do something about it. I had an old Chinese export C96 that just looked awful, and now it looks great. A fair amount of work and somewhat tedious, but the results are amazing.

[@shanek6582]

Mark would make the coolest Bond villain ever

[@felixthecat265]

This absolutely works, although I have not been able to find the foam filled pipes that Bob uses this side of the pond.. I use plastic soil pipes, but they do bend and have to be replaced when the stack falls over! Much better than tanks of water, which will bring the rust faeries into your workshop from miles around..

[@levinlevinallday]

Very inspiring. As a plumber i do have one criticism. Cellular-core and common sch 40 pvc is the same thickness. Just wanted viewers to know because cellular-core pipe is usually only found at plumbing supply stores. It is cheaper but common pvc is fine to use.

[@felixthecat265]

I find it bends...!

[@Terry8084t]

QUESTIONS: After the first steam treatment, at 31:55 on the video, you said "… put our first coat of Rust Bluing solution on here." At 32:20 you said "… I'm going to wipe this on the steel, first coat, and this is going to dry for about an hour or so. Then we’ll wipe on a second coat and after that second coat we are going to introduce the treated barrel action into a humidity box." At 36:02 you said, "… Ok. back in the shop. We’ve coated our barrel with a priming coat of Rust Blue solution. We let that set for about an hour and let it dry. Then I recoated it with the first primary coat of Rust Blue solution." Regarding the first two coat prior to the humidity box, you did not say how long the second should dry. At 36:02, you seem to be reviewing what you had done so fare with the first two coats prior to the humidity box, the first priming coat which dried for an hour. You then said, "I recoated it with the first primary coat of Rust Blue solution. This implies subsequent primary coats after the two coats, the priming coat and the first primary coat. How many primary coats are there, and when are they applied?

[@darthvader6533]

Ive never felt so immasculated as i did when i watched this monster determin an unknown chemical with his tongue

[@ReadinessReviews]

Glad this one finally got put back up. Great info. I need to make one of those steam chambers.

[@carlpassarellirealtor2671]

An absolutely wonderful job by two talented craftsmen!

[@jamesgreen2898]

I absolutely love your dedication to preservation of this and all the great weapons of our history!

[@fredford7642]

Great video! Well worth the time to watch and learn. I look forward to taking the time to do this to the next war relic that I may find. Thank you!

[@ardenelenduil2334]

Glorious satisfaction as always. Thanks for the re-upload Mark

[@maringarcia95]

Hmm here in Spain we blue rust with sosa and potasiun nitratre baths. Great video! Great gun😎

[@sempervigilant5811]

Thank you Mark watching this video have me the confidence and knowledge to refinish an old arisaka that the finish was almost completely worn off of

[@atthebrink74]

Thanks for the ReUpload. Best video on blueing. Super easy and Bob's formula is awesome!

[@markserbu]

Good stuff!

[@Bayan1905]

I've salvaged a couple rifles over the years that were being used as wallhangers. One was a really nice little Remington #4 rolling block in .22 LR. I got it really cheap because the action worked, but something was off. I took it apart, it turns out the spring had broken and someone had taken two other springs and mated them together into a functioning leaf spring. The gun worked, but had a trigger pull like that of the double action on a Nagant revolver. I took it apart, found the correct spring, got it working again, fixed where the takedown was a little sloppy because the hole in the wood was blown out a bit. Now my son shoots it regularly, we put only standard velocity through it, because that's what it used. I found a #6 Remington .22 LR, that was missing parts, got it going again, another fine little .22 LR to shoot. I'm working on getting my 1894 Winchester in .38-55 to function a little better. My latest is repairing a duffel cut on a numbers matching late war K98. I have a soft spot for these old guns that I can afford versus needing to take out a loan to buy a safe queen I am going to be afraid to shoot.

[@kevinstafford9466]

how did i not know about this channel? The quality and information is amazing.

[@Gregory_Avila]

Thank you for recording this information so its not easily lost.

[@joshuamasterson7677]

Thank you for the your time and experience.

[@thescatologistcopromancer3936]

Now you have me thinking about rebluing the Mosin I restored...

[@kemmccready4196]

Thanks for reloading. I’ve missed not being able to refer back to this one.

[@jamesheath9385]

I learned so much. Many thanks to the both of you.

[@Jarhead64]

Thanks for the reupload Mark! Two mad scientists at work! Wunderbar! By chance will you be reuploading your Q&A video? Absolute pleasure to listen to your wisdom and taking the time to educate us viewers!

[@pacman10182]

"say hi, bob" "hi, bob" "outstanding!"

[@rcairnut]

wow, chocked full of info!!! great restoration, I am jealous of the owner of that gun!

[@Jason-iz6ob]

That’s crazy. I’ve watched this video a good 6 or 8 times now but never really paid attention to what kind of rifle it was. I just got a 1926 made model 1916 Spanish Mauser that I will eventually be doing this too, after a few other projects…

[@jaimehectorcaballeroramire4150]

Thank you for passing down your knowledge now a days it's a very appreciated

[@davefellhoelter1343]

AMEN!

[@scootertrasher1369]

Thanks for re-posting , I had the video saved for reference , but it went to private.

[@daverieck6352]

very informative guys , great video

[@marknovak8255]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LokiScarletWasHere]

This is interesting. Saw this video after learning the hard way that boiling vinegar changes the process from rust corrosion to rust bluing. I don't restore guns, but I blue some steel things for fun on occasion, and now I'm curious if boiling salt and vinegar is a decent bluing method.

[@pelonehedd7631]

There is no need to butcher military surplus arms as there are many fine guns out there that began as sporting rifles and really have seen little use. I have one of these Spanish short rifles but mine was converted to the NATO 7.62 or 308 Winchester. My experience with many surplus Bolt Actions is that they will have mismatched bolts creating headspacing issues and that the more modern chambering may create excessive pressures. I realize governments did this out of economy but a soldier or any shooter is not well served by such arms. Fortunately those arms I purchased were priced right. The old Turkish 88 commission rifles I got at Big 5 Sporting Goods back in the early 1980’s were $35.00 each.

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Very cool. I have only seen people using very expensive equipment to do rust blueing. Thank you for sharing.

[@davo999]

Awesome info....just did a blue job on a shotgun barrel that looks like crap. It was the STEELWOOL. I didnt degrease it!...Thanks for turning that light on!

[@kenlee6126]

I had a Italian version of that...had been cut down an a Monte Carlo stock...most consistently accurate rifle loved it...i had to upgrade lol regret it...thanks for the video work u guys do a nice job on ur presentation

[@8alonzo8]

Thanks for this information. Subbed. I'm curious what happens inside the bore during the steam process? Besides standard bore cleaning, are you doing anything special to clean the bore?

[@GunFunZS]

This is probably my favorite of your tutorials. And yes it is. And it is a good one.

[@pstewart5443]

I would spend the money to keep a piece of history beautiful and in great shape.

[@campflyingdragon7628]

For restorations, be sure to use steel wool around sharp edges as carding wheels and wire wheels can round sharp edges.

[@CrimeVid]

I should think the major cause of death of electricians is being stomped to death for turning up a fortnight late and saying “I can only do half a day today” !!

[@marknovak8255]

True

[@SeanPwnery]

Sweet extended repost! I'm actually getting ready to do this process this weekend - was debating on steam pipe vs boil.

[@greenbudkelly2820]

Half science, half art, half experience

[@fmolds]

Yogi Berra ligic !🤣

[@greenbudkelly2820]

@@fmolds yeah, but only 10% of that

[@JohnSmith-jh1iy]

50% of the time, it works every time.

[@chicowize]

Excellent work Mark 👍🏽

[@RichardGoth]

This is great! I got an 1893 carbine last year and this is almost step by step for me...

[@martinm3474]

Just took a look at my Mossberg Model 43 .22lr and its action has fine Missouri rust growing on it. This is timely.

[@jeanniebuchholz9923]

Out-freaking-standing!

[@ditto1958]

Beautiful rifle and beautiful refinish job

[@kencullum7606]

i almost lost an eye wftching that wire flopping while wheeeling

[@stevenvee11]

What is the “wax” used after the bluing process?

[@Sigmagnat650]

The repost YESSSSSSS. Thank you Mark!

[@frankdn109]

Thank you Mark and Bob! One of the most useful videos I've ever watched. Now my question 🙂 If kerosene is unavailable, will diesel work?

[@marknovak8255]

Diesel is just fine. A bit of a mess though

[@tagrifleworks]

I used a non detergent lubricating oil 30w right after carding. Started getting rust and splotching through the oil. Any suggestions? Can I just let it sit in oiled overnight and then apply gun oil? This part is getting me

[@DrawntoAdventure]

Absolutely loved this insight into what constituted an Arsenal refurbishment What a great history lesson! If you have an upper hand guard that is loose but otherwise undamaged, would you recommend acraglassing to avoid potential future damage (given that these pieces are thin and relatively fragile to begin with)? Thanks!

[@YerluvinunclePete]

I had a hell of a time getting a bottle of Bob's British blue shipped up to Canada but it was well worth the trouble.

[@Satchmoeddie]

Steam can carry 55x more heat energy than water. That is why steam is so good for heating, but steam heating is not at all tolerant of poor workmanship in the piping, radiators, boilers, valves, etc.

[@finscreenname]

I've been known to put more into something then it's real worth. Mainly it's time like you did in this video Mark. If you had to go buy and set everything up from scratch it would cost way to much but when you have a shop full of stuff I bet you have almost nothing into that gun when it comes to money. Now I like to fix things but when it's your job.... time is a real issue.

[@k1j2f30]

Mark, is it not important to protect the bore of the weapon while introducing all the heat and humidity? I'm guessing any rust or flaky/hairy rust produced in the bore can be cleaned with a bronze cleaning brush and cotton swabs dipped in kerosene, diesel or a good bore cleaner?

[@jeffprice6421]

Beautiful work.

[@imart59]

Mark & Bob, This video answered a thousand questions I had on the subject. Thank you for the knowledge imparted. I will certainly follow your recommendations. I do have a couple of questions on an area that was not addressed. I assume that both of the steam baths and the time in the humidity box had an effect on the inside of the barrel as well. How and when did you treat the rust generated in the bore? and when is it safe to to lubricate the exterior of the barrel and action after the process is over?

[@marknovak8255]

Because you did NOT put chloride bearing chemicals inside the bore, very little corrosion occurred there. That which did gets converted, and swept easily aside with a bore brush

[@Badhands55]

Awesome tip about steel wool 👍🏼 blue collar 100% here

[@cbroz7492]

The late, lamented Samco used'ta be in Miami...went there a few times when I had my 03 license...bought stuff too...the day after the first great buying panic in Nov 08 I called to see if they still had the Jugo 7.62x39 they'd advertised...ordered a case, but then called back to see if we could drive down FROM WPB and pick it up...theyvsaid yes...we did and also bought a pile of loose packed .303 British ...

[@308dad8]

So you mentioned you hadn’t waxed that rust blues barreled action yet. Did you wax it? Is that the next step after kerosene? What wax and does it give a high gloss sheen to the blues barrel and receiver?

[@seetheforest]

There is nothing better than watching metal rust. How many cycles can you run on a piece? Not trying to be ocd but my first attempt came out so well I dove head first into the rabbit hole off of a 10' ladder. I have a nice old Savage model 6L-D. Not a spectacular or valuable gun. It was nice except for two bloody fingerprints that pitted the barrel. Looked like someone went after one of the spots with some 120 grit sandpaper. It was horrible. I took a piece of 220 grit emery cloth and took the whole barrel down to bare metal smoothing out the pits and previous sandpaper work with the rest of the barrel. I didn't card after sanding I went straight to bluing. I didn't steam like my first one I just hung the piece on the porch, we have 90% + humidity so I don't need steam. I ran it three times coated it again, after carding and degrease with acetone, and left it hang overnight for a long soak. This 4th run is so deep and black it's unreal. I look at it each cycle in the brightest light I can find and each cycle makes the color darker and deeper. So how much is to much? I think 4 is going to do it for me but whats the max you can go? I also have a very low serial number West German Weatherby with a bluing like black chrome. How did they do that?

[@marknovak8255]

4 passes and the point of diminishing is reached. I usually stop at 3

[@ryanknott7562]

Say hi Bob. Hi Bob.

[@Terry8084t]

Mr. Novak, can you show or tell us more detail about the turkey friar-stainless steel pot-PVC base-PVC pipe-top cap lashup. The big question is: What is the PVC base sitting on and how is it stabilized (what keeps it from falling over).

[@Terry8084t]

You can disregard this question. I found the answer in the youtube video, " Anvil 036: Rust blue a Yugo K98K with Bob"

[@tomthumb2057]

outstanding you laid out a complete system for me/us to use... Thank you!

[@kyleclements9707]

Mark: "This is not a tutorial." Also Mark: "You can do this yourself...and saliva causes cancer." This was a great video, I'm currently in gunsmithing school and I learned a lot from your presentation. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together.

[@bobdefalco]

That's awesome - best of luck and nothing but good fortune, Kyle!!

[@bwatson8066]

Awesome video guys. I'll definitely be grabbing some of that rust blue as I've been looking for an alternative to the selenium dioxide bluing chemicals that are so popular. Thanks!

[@marknovak8255]

Make the trip over to the dark side, you will not regret it

[@drakehammond27]

fantastic content. thank you for sharing. do you have any recommendations for books or reading about armory standard techniques either current or historic?

[@jonlennon3348]

My only question is what does this do to the bore or do you oil the bore?

[@bro1161]

44:46 The taste test gives you answers to all questions

[@brianlynch994]

What's the difference between an oral and rectal thermometer? THE TASTE! :p I could not resist.

[@Whitpusmc]

Mark, if there’s any way you can respond to this it would be most appreciated. I have been posting your videos on the CMP forums, trying to spread the word and help collectors like myself. The question I have is in reference to USGI parkerized finishes. Can this process (specifically the boiling in distilled water to convert rust) be used on parkerized finishes? If yes as is, great! If not a video on how to stop rust on parkerized finishes would be most helpful. If I missed this somewhere in your videos I apologize. I’ve watched every one I can find and don’t remember a call out about parkerized finishes. If there is mea Culpa!!

[@wildrangeringreen]

Parkerizing's in the same vein as bluing (just highly industrialized), but generally uses phosphoric acid to etch and manganese to bind with the oxide to form the finish. technically, you can blue rusty patches on a park'ed gun, but it'll look like black splotches on the grey. Parkerizing is a pretty serious process (copious amounts of strong boiling acids and vats of highly alkaline material to passivate), it takes a bit more equipment, and is a bit more dangerous (that's just for you... god forbid your plugs pop out and it eats the bore, or you miss a spot for your resist, and it park's an area that needs to move freely). Personally, unless the finish is almost completely gone, rub the hell out of the rusted spots with a rag to knock the bloom off, and rub oil or wax into the rust to keep it from continuing. Parkerizing, like bluing and browning, protects the steel by creating a porous oxide layer that holds oil, and the oil protects the gun (you'd be amazed how few people oil their weapons periodically... darn stainless+plastic guns lol).

[@LoganNova]

Mark tasted kerosene like it was homemade ranch, also where is your right eyebrow. Jokes aside. Thank you for the solid content as always, sir.

[@floydblack5282]

Thank you for the great information.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

I did processes like this years ago for the industrial, pharmaceutical, aeronautical worlds. We used TSP Tri sodium phosphate with RO or DI water very cheap to degrease and or strip at just below a boil about 4% give or take, Much more safe, then "no more touchy" or oils near! and depending on what's next we used the hi PH to neutralize, cleans your driveway or laundry too, or MEK Methyl Ethyl Ketone (better than acetone harder to find) but a little more danger, cost and danger? than TSP. Thank guys now you got me thinking about my 1896 Mauser?

[@BrunoWiebelt]

I like your friendly down to earth approach . Greetings here from Sweden . where can I buy the gun blue you use?

[@melvindenny8962]

Thank you for that. Informative, good baseline info for laymen. Now to work up the nerve, I'm old & made lots of errors, so.... see you on the other side. Again, gracias. Peace.

[@jonathanstone7273]

Mark(whispering in Bob's ear): "it's almost as if I anticipated your needs..."

[@DriveCarToBar]

How do you know you're going to be shooting by braille? When Sarge says affix bayonets.