Home Machine Shop Tool Making - Making A Versatile Bluing Tray

Making A Versatile Bluing Tray, by Clickspring.
The heat blued finish put on some steel parts by clock and watchmakers is quite dependent on a consistent, even heat being applied to the part. Smaller parts like short screws can be heated on a thick piece of brass with holes drilled to accept the threaded portion of the screw.
Larger parts are best heated on a bed of brass chips, held within some sort of tray. For some time I've been using a tray cobbled together from brass scraps, so in this video I make a more permanent version.
Thanks for watching. If you enjoyed the video please give a thumbs up, and leave me a comment.
If you would like to help support the creation of these videos, then head on over to the Clickspring Patreon page: / clickspring
You can also help me make these videos by purchasing via the following Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras used in this video:
Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - amzn.to/2wzxxdT
Tools & Shop Products:
"Solidworks 2013 Bible": amzn.to/2FObS1D
"Lathework: A Complete Course (Workshop Practice Series)" - amzn.to/2yBv4Rb
"Milling: A Complete Course (Workshop Practice Series)" - amzn.to/2K2QZ97
"Soldering and Brazing (Workshop Practice Series)" - amzn.to/2yIRoIW
Dykem 80300 Steel Blue Layout Fluid, Brush-in-Cap (4oz): amzn.to/2HGPaJJ
Dormer A190202 Jobber Drill Set, 1.0 mm - 6.0 mm x 0.1 mm Size: amzn.to/2DR5fdb
Dormer A190203 Jobber Drill Set, 6.0 mm - 10.0 mm x 0.1 mm Size: amzn.to/2ITfeTa
YG1 NC Spotting Drill 8% Cobalt HSS 1/8 to 1/2" 120 Degree 5 Pc Set CNC Machine: amzn.to/2G7ylv6
For more info on this build, as well as other tool making info and project plans, visit www.clickspringprojects.com
Abbreviated Transcript:
0:00:23 The idea behind a tray full of brass chips is that it helps to spread the heat evenly over the whole part, so it's a great way to get a uniform color.
0:01:00 It does have a few redeeming features though, the legs holding it off the bench were a good idea, although they've oxidised quite a bit from the heat, so I might try brass this time and see if that makes any difference. The handle is fine too, so I'll cut that off, and re-use it. I'm also going to make 2 versions of the tray, that can screw onto the end of the handle as required.
0:01:24 One will be the more permanent version of the brass shavings tray I just spoke of, and the other will be a plate version, with holes in it for for screws. This time with small holes! I can also make more variations on the idea in the future, and reuse that handle.
0:02:04 I then formed a thread on the end of the handle. I then formed a thread on the end of the rod. The feet for the bluing pan are a reasonably straight forward part, with a taper on one end, and a thread on the other. And I quite like holding small parts like this with an ER collet,
0:02:54 The opposing features will be closer to being concentric, and it gives a much better grip on the part than the three jaw chuck. I started out by forming the tapered profile, setting up the lathe to cut a 10 degree included angle.
0:04:10 The tray that will hold the shavings is fabricated from 2 parts that are silver soldered together, so I spent a bit of time getting the surfaces clean and well fluxed, before making the join. All of the outside surfaces now need a good trim, and to do that I need the part running reasonably true before making the cut - another great job for the bump centering tool.
0:07:33 Now I'm going to lightly rivet the ends of the feet once they've been screwed in place, so I'm forming a decent countersink on the top side, to give the metal somewhere to flow as its displaced.
0:08:05 In good quality clock and watchmaking, heat bluing is traditionally used as a final surface finish on some steel parts As the part is heated an oxide forms on the surface. The thickness of the oxide is directly related to the temperature of the part. The hotter it gets, the thicker the layer.
0:08:21 The color comes from a light effect called
Thin Film Interference. To get a uniform color, its essential that the thin film of oxide is uniform in thickness across the whole part, which in turn means that the temperature must be uniform, hence all the effort in making this bluing tray.
0:08:39 The colors move through a range starting at a light straw, and then passing through brown, purple and blue, to a light grey, after which the thin film effect is no longer visible. The composition of the steel, cleanliness and surface finish all play a role in the way the oxide forms, and so can directly influence the quality of the final color.
References:
Thin Film Interference Effect Explained:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin-fi...
Making A Versatile Bluing Tray, by Clickspring.

[@IceSlushi]

I had no idea what a bluing tray was before this video...now I need to make one.

[@AndreaArzensek]

The moment you say '' Let's get started'' makes me feel like it's Christmas morning and I get to open the presents first! Great job on that bluing tray Chris!

[@Clickspring]

Andrea Arzensek Ha ha! Terrific Andrea, more presents on the way!

[@cybersurfer2010]

Almost can’t wait for the presents...!

[@LeftBeard]

In Goldsmithing, I usually put my solder on the outside when soldering a container or crease like that. I mostly do this to be able to get the solder hot enough and avoiding melting the piece if I'm using harder solders. Another reason would be to that if I were to use too much solder and placed it on the inside, it could skate further away and pool, sometimes even start "Eating" into the material, while it is a little easier to control in on the outside and generally easier to clean up as it is more accessible. Thought i'd share this for that one random person who would find it useful while randomly reading the comments xD

[@lexugax]

Three people got here by mistake while looking for Kardashian videos. Great job on the videos and your metal work!

[@Clickspring]

+lexugax Awesome! You are very welcome to drop by more often :)

[@pjhalchemy]

There's something sacred about the color of Dykem on brass and the color of your heat treatment that gives me goosebumps! Maybe a new science...Sacred Colors and would be interrelated to Sacred Geometry. Your videos brings the two together beautifully, I think. Thanks Chris. ~PJ

[@Clickspring]

pjsalchemy I couldn't hope for a more beautiful compliment than that PJ, thank you.

[@jetjazz05]

pjsalchemy Someone asked why he used brass chips instead of sand to blue the parts, and to me the answer is simple: the brass holder filled with brass chips is just gorgeous. Sand would look fine, I'm sure, but the brass chips look regal and magnificent, especially with the blued steel.

[@pjhalchemy]

Jesse Crandle Clickspring Agreed, and did read all the comments. But I think its the uniformity of the brass chips (over sand) and temp control with his deft hand and eyes that allows the perfect thickness of oxide to form and create the thin film interference...which creates a very unique color. However there may be some other Alchemical transformations unaccounted for...~¿@

[@Hobypyrocom]

i come here from AvE channel. great videos man, great channel. subbed...

[@Clickspring]

IamIUareU Cheers mate, very pleased to have your sub, more on the way.

[@Hobypyrocom]

Clickspring wish you all the best, i cant stop watching your videos, good job and keep them coming. you really deserve more subscribers...

[@KevinHillofDOOM]

+IamIUareU Same here, Subbed as well.

[@gregsmith2262]

IamIUareU Lol so did I but glad I came

[@nicke1903]

This was in my recomendeds

[@Agateophobiadragon]

you make me wish I had the money to pick up machining. I barely have enough to do woodworking

[@matthewcorcoran4562]

A lot of machinist start off with woodwork. It doesnt cost a whole lot if you want to get started machining. You can find old mills and lathes for a decent price if you look and are patient. I don't keep a wood turning lathe in my shop because when I need to turn something thats wooden my metal lathe works just fine. And since I purchased my mill, I hardly use my drill press unless its easier than swapping up a particular setup that might be on the mill at the time. I primarily do woodwork for paid work, but in my off hours its always some sort of machining project ive got going on. Save up and don't be afraid to barter or work for the tools.

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

Get this: You can turn wood in an engine lathe. I've got a customer buying trophies from me that have a cylindrical wooden base. Dowels of the right dimension just aren't available, plus I need them center drilled. So I fire up the old South Bend.

[@eyesrajones]

I know I am repeating what other commebters are saying but WOW. Not only is the content awesome but it is presented in a way that is entertaining. Keep them coming.

[@Clickspring]

+Robert Jones Thanks very much Robert, I appreciate your support :)

[@ChaoticDynasty314]

I thought this was a whole lot of work for no real reason until I saw the final product and how blue that screw turned. I get why you would want to do this now, that's a beautiful shade.

[@roflcopterannoysme]

Was not expecting an Australian. No idea why. Nice to hear a familiar accent cobber.

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

I know I've said this before a few times, but it really is a delight to see the production value you put into your videos. I honestly don't care about most of them (in terms of clock stuff), but the way they're shot compels me to pay attention. It really sets a bar and gives me something to strive for. I've learned so much about how to effectively present a build process. My favorite part of the production was when you showed 3 or 4 different camera angles of the piece you were sliding into the lathe. Totally unnecessary, but just shot and paced so well, you were showing me what I didn't even know I would have wished the camera did. You have a magnificent talent for visual demonstration, you just seem to "get it." Some day you'll have a million subscribers, and it'll be because of your commitment to doing things better than anyone else bothers to. My favorite part content-wise may be silly, but it was when you hammered the feet in like rivets. New idea to me, hadn't considered that a possible technique.

[@Clickspring]

+MattsAwesomeStuff Thank you very much for the kind words, Matt, I really appreciate your encouragement and support :)

[@masso172]

There is something very soothing and satisfying from watching these videos

[@Clickspring]

+masso172 Great to hear, thanks for taking the time to check them out :)

[@lordperzeval2977]

The brass yellow and that purple dye thing is so goddamn beautiful

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

I know! I want to be cool enough to use layout fluid.

[@willierants5880]

I think I could just sit there and stare at those blued screws forever. They are absolutely dazzling.

[@jacc88888]

That’s a work of art not just a bluing tray. Stunning. Loved watching the workmanship.

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Your vids @ 480p are twice as clear as some others are at 720p. Amazing and a testament to work well above the norm.

[@saraltayal8249]

this satisfies my ocd. such a pleasure ro watch.

[@Clickspring]

saral tayal Thank you!

[@Oclb]

I always forget that people are using these Chinese lathes that are small af... owning a machine shop makes me forget my roots and his videos are a great reminder that home gamers can produce amazing things as well Keep it up!!

[@timhofstetter5654]

Chris is the only person I know who can lay down a perfect coating of layout fluid. 8)

[@WootTootZoot]

I'm going to find where you live and move in next door. You'll never get me out of your shop, and I'll annoy the hell out of you, but, I'll always bring beer and snacks with me so you'll actually learn to appreciate my company. On the positive side, I don't smoke, I do bathe daily, and take great care not to have offensive breath. I'll watch everything you do, and nod appreciatively at every well made piece. It'll be great !!

[@Clickspring]

La cerveza más fina in case you were wondering :)

[@WootTootZoot]

Got it, see you soon. Well, maybe.

[@killerkane1957]

Click, still can't believe I was thinking Brichwood Casey and you were thinking heat blue! Awesome!!

[@Clickspring]

KillerKane Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@Aidas_Li]

every day checking for more videos, can't wait for new one to come out. it's like if you watch a good series and they end, there is nothing else on the tv.... :) and i don't even have a lathe.

[@Clickspring]

+aidas1985aidas Terrific mate, new one out on make later this week, and a new Clickspring vid next Sunday :)

[@arthurunwin9937]

Binge watched at least 30 click spring videos this weekend. Huge fan.

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching mate :)

[@Aristocob]

Very cool, Chris. And thanks for sharing your old version and the lessons learned with it. Scott

[@Clickspring]

Aristocob Cheers Scott, thanks for staying up late to watch :)

[@BrunoBsso]

That was excellent. I have no more words. Excellent.

[@Clickspring]

+Bruno Sacomani Thanks for watching Bruno :)

[@mosteam3985]

This is just craftsmanship at its finest. I'm no machinist but your videos are an absolute pleasure to view. The care and precision is such a joy to see. Thank you!

[@Clickspring]

mosteam3985 Thank you very much for taking the time to watch :)

[@Roll-Penut]

Will I ever make one of these? No Will I ever need to blue metal? No Will I ever even engage in metalcraft? Probably not But is it interesting to watch this? You bet your ass

[@David-hm9ic]

Well, that was time well spent even if I don't expect to every make a watch. It works for screws for firearms, too so definitely worth keeping in my hip pocket.

[@RayneHellfire]

I dream of having my own workshop. I don't understand a lot of Clickspring's videos and it makes me want to build & create even more. This WAS my first Clickspring video and I can't wait for the day that I get my time to build. Until then I like to stumble across new things like this, research and make ideas for the future.

[@andreslfr]

I don't build this kind of things and probably never will, but I can't stop watching and admiring your job. This is totally worth my time and reaaaaally satisfying for some reason. Great work, mate! Keep it up :).

[@Clickspring]

+Andrew F Cheers Andrew! great to have you watching mate :)

[@andreslfr]

+Clickspring :) !

[@axelschneider1678]

If never seen a tool like this to level something out in a chuck. Very clever...

[@gabumonboys]

These videos are so entertaining even though I know nothing about metalworking.

[@polarknight5376]

have you never made a metal hat?

[@gabumonboys]

polarknight 537 No...?

[@polarknight5376]

+The Mad Hatter but you're the mad hatter.

[@gabumonboys]

polarknight 537 I work with felt.

[@whydoineedaname11]

I was trying to figure out why you would need a special tray for blueing, but this is not the same blueing process I'm used to. Interesting video, and I learned yet another piece of information that will probably only come in handy for pub trivia, if they ever open pubs again.

[@l0ckcr4ck3r]

Coffee and a quality vid to start a lazy sunday, thanks Chris.

[@Clickspring]

l0ckcr4ck3r Ha ha! terrific Phil! Very pleased to be a part of your lazy Sunday!

[@Riyame]

+l0ckcr4ck3r You know... if you just happen to have the spare brass laying around I could use one of these... :P

[@Harlequin314159]

Staying up late has paid off. Thanks Chris! Going to post to reddit too. Cheers sir!

[@Clickspring]

Harlequin314159 Thank you very much mate, every bit helps!

[@Namyh0011]

I have no idea what i just watched but it was awesome. Your voice, the video quality, the machines... just cant stop watching. Great job, glad i find this channel.

[@Clickspring]

+Namyh Thanks for watching :)

[@JasonEwton]

I know you're using calipers and other devices to help you with your precision measurements, but as a guy who just struggled to build new stairs in his home with a table saw... I'm impressed every single time.

[@Clickspring]

Jason Ewton Thank you Jason, reckon I would have trouble with the stairs too just quietly :)

[@The.Pickle]

It must be a great feeling, having a house full of stuff you made yourself and knowing that you can replace, fix, customise and invent your own solutions or devices. it would be so exciting to have an insane, magnum opus, developing in your mind, a mechanism so elaborate and wonderful it exudes pure joy for any machinist.

[@demon39063]

The absolute standard setter for craftsmanship videos. From editing to well explained commentary. I really would love to get into this, it looks so incredibly rewarding

[@Clickspring]

+demon39063 Thank you very much for the encouragement, definitely a very rewarding activity :)

[@DreamyBuns]

Chris great work i have followed every video

[@Clickspring]

Thank you mate, I appreciate your support :)

[@pescherskij]

Awesome colors, awesome job! Dude, make a tutorial how to marks radius, find the center of the circle, etc; please

[@noahlechner1036]

U r a very good machinist. I one of the build leaders on a robotics team I charge of the machine shop so I can understand allot of what u r doing and I have learned a lot of cool tricks and techniques from your videos. Thx

[@comixmunkey2524]

watching a lathe cut things is pure eye candy

[@Clickspring]

+Josh Bowes So true! Thanks for watching :)

[@Riyame]

Simple and elegant design. Just came over from AvE and watched most of your videos even though I should be sleeping. Amazing work.

[@Clickspring]

mresurm Ha ha! Who needs sleep anyway! Thanks for watching :)

[@khaledhelal6688]

I just love how metals obey you, it is very calming....keep up the good work !

[@Tielkon]

Superb. 👍

[@simonwhite1380]

Came b/c AvE has a fair dinkum channel. Your videos are certainly skookum. Been wondering about blueing metal for a while. Thanks!

[@Clickspring]

Simon White Thanks for tuning in Simon!

[@kekfreedomheritage5633]

Very nice.

[@gadcock100]

Hey. Thanks for this and explaining heat blueing so clearly! Much appreciated :)

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching Sarah :)

[@avmaviator]

Love it! Thank you for making and posting these videos!!

[@colsanjaybajpai5747]

Your each video is more fantastic than the other and the cycle goes on

[@olaf_industries]

i watched this video 3 times in 2 days.. i really enjoied it every time. nice build...

[@Clickspring]

+Zn1pe Awesome! great to have you watching :)

[@olaf_industries]

+Clickspring i shared it with my friends too :D

[@Clickspring]

+Zn1pe Awesome, thank you!

[@2tommyrad]

Is there anything you do half-arsed? The machining, video-work, music, lighting, economy of time... What a delight to watch. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your work. Beautiful. Subbed.

[@Clickspring]

+Tommy Rad Cheers Tommy, very pleased to have your sub :)

[@flavortown3781]

very very nice heat bluing on those screws

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

I just love that blue.... great build mate, well done 👍🏼😊

[@blackbird1234100]

never seen bluing before. it is really cool!

[@brendanjensen9500]

Great work my friend! Stunning job

[@ophirb25]

Great. Waiting to see the clock finished.

[@Clickspring]

ophirb25 Me Too! Quite a few episodes to go yet, thanks for watching.

[@warrantyvoid100]

Hey you got a great shout out from NYC CNC channel! AKA Saunders Machine Works. You both do such great videos!

[@Clickspring]

warrantyvoid100 He's a very generous chap is that John! Thank you very much for watching :)

[@markdmaker3173]

Nicest Bluing tool I’ve ever seen. Beautiful work.

[@junaida.1542]

watching first video of yours and wow, great production and great video.

[@stu7573]

Your videos have been incredibly helpful. thank you !!!

[@technoshamanarchist]

God, all your gadgets look like they were made and polished by faeries or something. Love your work!

[@Clickspring]

+technoshamanarchist Terrific to have you watching :)

[@drewalmy9820]

Randomly ran across this, and I love it. Guess I'll be subscribing then!

[@useitwice]

This looks great. What a good idea! (Also, reminds me that I really really want a lathe)

[@MrNigel1340]

That,s great, thank you for the quick reply, will have a look now.

[@chrisstephens6673]

As ever, a pleasure to watch.

[@Clickspring]

Chris Stephens Cheers Chris, thanks for tuning in.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Interesting technique! Thanks for sharing!

[@Clickspring]

Scrap wood City Cheers thanks for tuning in :)

[@devincastellucci4627]

That is some very fine craftsmanship right there. Great work.

[@Clickspring]

Devin Castellucci Cheers Devin, thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@bnaws8326]

So, this is what mechanical engineering looks like? Because if it is, I definetely want to learn more about it!

[@lolatmyage]

+Bnaws This is more like machining or production, mechanical engineering is the design process

[@bnaws8326]

lolatmyage Looks very interesting nonetheless!

[@mikedome9475]

+Bnaws When I first learned what machining or a "machinist" was it was what made me switch from my Industrial Design program to Mechanical Engineering. Although only the first year they taught us manual machining, (the rest was design) I love the program, and am finishing up in two weeks. Now that I finished, and after watching ClickSprings videos, it really gave me motivation to get back into learning the skills for manual machining. I gotta go and buy a mill or lathe.

[@elhasaneelhafidy6744]

Just amazing work!!! I love and enjoy watching your videos! thanx a lot for sharing your knowledge with us. keep it on!! Great job!!!

[@RiverWyvrn]

Thank you for sharing these beautiful works

[@OzClawhammer]

AMAZING Photograpy

[@hamadal-shuaili9909]

Thanks for the video ...I enjoyed watching it.

[@ProofBenny]

Awesome stuff Wish I was that handy !

[@phooesnax]

Another great one Chris. The close up work is awesome. Thanks for the hard work

[@Clickspring]

phooesnax Thanks mate, appreciate your support :)

[@rupert5390]

just got onto your channel/video - fantastic - it is so great to see great local talent - was developing an inferiority complex re lack of makers from aussie (other than mr Whitlam of course) you have restored my aussie machining pride - magnificent. incidentally your vids are far more professional and easier for mere mortals to follow due to great explanation and tools which seem to be within reach of normal people - thanks again mate.

[@Clickspring]

Thanks for the encouragement mate, terrific to have your support :)

[@xxIVANxx13]

you're the man! i've enjoyed the vids very much! very entertaining

[@MalusTheDark]

That was a beautiful process. Thank you!

[@Clickspring]

Simon Bild-Enkin Thanks for watching Simon!

[@BernhardHofmann]

I'm a woodworker and turner (hobby, not professional) but your videos make me want to buy a metal lathe and mill. The parts look beautiful off the lathe and that blue finish... jaw dropping mate. Well done and thanks for showing us how.

[@Clickspring]

+Bernhard Hofmann Cheers Bernhard, thank you for taking the time to check it out, I appreciate it.

[@josediaspinto7438]

Great work Chris. Liked the bump centering tool idea.

[@Clickspring]

José Dias Pinto Thanks José, I got that idea from the luthier Frank Ford at www.frets.com - have a look at his site, its an absolute treasure chest for machinists.

[@joanbergin4572]

Chris, another outstanding video. The videography rivals Discovery and National geographic. I am always impressed with the lighting and camera angles. I know this is not by accident and is well thought out ahead of time. And always the subject matter is is always interesting. BTW the picture is not me. Can't seem to ditch the old owner's picture from this tablet. Ha! Russell

[@Clickspring]

Joan Bergin Hey Russell, thanks very much for the kind words mate! Good luck with changing the tablet! It's either that or a name change!

[@George-gz5zm]

Typically filled to the brim with great detail, especially loved the old version...nicely explained. You seem like a real straight shooter.

[@Clickspring]

George Harris Thanks George, appreciate you watching mate :)

[@RoboCNCnl]

Love the video... great informative ! thanks for sharing..

[@pfrieden1]

Thanks for making this video - the explanation of the process was great!

[@Clickspring]

Paul Frieden Terrific Paul, very pleased to hear that!

[@davidjames2788]

You do gorgeous work! Glad I stumbled upon this video.

[@Clickspring]

+David James Very pleased you did too David, thanks for watching.

[@MikolajWnek]

That wielding moment was awsome! I was like sitting here thinking "oh, how is he going to push that silver wire unde that cur.... ooooooh" and then it just got sucked in like by what? A capillary action? That was pure magic! Love your videos : )

[@Clickspring]

Mikołaj Wnęk Yes exactly, capillary action! The flux 'wets' the surface, and the closer and cleaner the join, the more powerful the effect. Thanks for watching :)

[@2kidsnosleep]

This is fascinating. Extremely well filmed and amazing machining skills

[@rrangana11]

Excellent and Very good quality Video. It takes lot of time and effort to produce this... Thanks for doing and sharing with us.

[@Clickspring]

rrangana11 It really does! Thank you very much for watching, it makes the time put in worthwhile :)

[@Sootmaker]

I look forward to every new video, Learned a lot! Thanks Chris!

[@Clickspring]

Jeff Trithart Thanks very much Jeff, appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@straylgk5497]

Just found your channel from a American machining channel I didn't realise we had one of our aussie boys representing and as a fitter/machinist myself your videos are wicked I love the angle from a smaller finer style from your watch making like this video.. Lots of little tips and good stuff.. And the parts are flashy haha so it's basically machinist porn.. Keep up the good

[@Clickspring]

+Sam Fleming Very much appreciate the encouragement Sam, thanks for tuning in :)

[@asdzx1757]

i love this stuff so much

[@kr9735]

Very well made video on an interesting process. Thanks for taking the time!

[@Clickspring]

+I am a free man ! Cheers, thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@Benjuthula]

A beautifully made video sir.

[@militoyohaki9234]

Impresionante!!! Me encantan tus videos y tu canal. Sigue así, un saludo.

[@k5at]

Excellent close-ups. Thanks for sharing!

[@Clickspring]

Herb Blair Thanks very much Herb, I appreciate your support.

[@patloughner999]

I really enjoy these videos!!!! I find them very informative and educational. I have learned

[@mortenbakke2810]

I must say, this video is made with a stunning amount of detail, and very good, and effective camera angles, cudos!

[@Clickspring]

+Morten Bakke Cheers Morten, thanks for watching :)

[@WarrenPostma]

Wow. Never knew about this. Have seen blue parts in fine machining before, but had no idea how it was done.

[@Clickspring]

+Warren Postma Cheers Warren, appreciate your support.

[@SoloSteelWorks]

great video! and very nice work! you earned my subscription, that's for sure! I'm a beginner knife maker, think I'll make one of these to colour some of the brass parts that I am planning on using in future projects!