Lamp black

[Ewald]

Just started a new rifle, and just wondering if there is somthing other than lamp black that works well to put on metal to tansfer the high spots to the wood?

 

try prussian blue. You get it at automotive shops.

 

[Goldhunter]

I've used shoe polish, the wife's lip stick, and soot from an old lantern.

I've also used lamp black (mine came as a powder and I mixed it with a bit of olive oil).

 

[Ephraim]

I have always smoked my parts over an old oil lamp I have done it that way sence 1960 it works for me. Just somke the part and blow out the lamp relight and do it again when needed.

Ephraim

 

[George Holton]

A candle works well to smoke parts to fit . I have used one since the 50"s ,dont use church candles tho they are not smokey enough. Bob

 

[J.D.]

Dry erase markers are faster and less messy.

 

[Packdog]

I use permanent magic markers. Sarpie Magnum for large parts such as barrel and butplates and normal Sharpie for lock parts and inlays. Use a rubber mallet or padding when you tap on the parts.

 

[Bill Hall]

Never tried any commercial made transfer medium. But I will say for stuff found arouond the house, nothing works as well (for me) than oil lamp soot. I take off the chimney and crank the wick way out and man does it smoke. Wipes off with just a dry rag. Bill

 

[longcruise]

I have always smoked my parts over an old oil lamp I have done it that way sence 1960 it works for me. Just somke the part and blow out the lamp relight and do it again when needed.

Ephraim

I like the candle too. I keep it burning on the bench and drop a few drops of heavy oil into the cup around the flame to bring on some extra smoke.

The first guy I ever met that made guns was also a refrigeration mechanic on reefer trucks. He would scrape the soot out of the diesel exaust pipes and use that.

In the end though there is nothing as simple as the stuff sold specifically for inletting.

 

[BrownBear]

I've used most of these ranging from lipstick to lampblack and prussian blue, but for easy it's hard to beat inletting black from TOW and other sources. It would take a lot of guns and years to use up a tub, so the price is right.

 

[Raynor]

I wipe a thin coat of vaseline on the metal piece were I want it blackened, then a candle flame to soot it up good and black. :winking:

I've found that the tall tapered candles work best.

 

[Ewald]

Great tips, thanks. :bow:

I've been using a candle, guess I thought the smoke from a candle or lamp was lamp black. :redface:

I stopped by a hobby place today and bought a stick of artists carbon. Gona give that a try. And I think I will pick up one of those eraseable markers too.

 

[Vaino]

Tried the inletting black from TOW and I'll say one thing....it gets on everything that's even close by and my wife said I looked like a coal miner after using it. Presently use Permatex {Prussian Blue} mixed 50-50 w/ nearly the same color hi-temp wheel bearing grease. Often wondered as to the application speed of candle soot or soot from a lamp? Have also tried the various marking pens, but still prefer Permatex because gaps show up well w/ it.....Fred

 

[Zonie]

After burning my fingers a few times and fiddle farting around relighting the candle, I bought a bottle of the transfer black shown in Brown Bear's post.
After 12 years, 13 rifles and two pistols I still have about 1/4 of it left.

Although some folks say it's messy, I really haven't had a problem with it and it works great.
zonie

 

[dlocke]

I have used candle black and lipstick. Found both to be a pain. Got a jar of that Jerrow's inletting black & love it. I put some on with a q-tip and place the q tip on a piece of paper so I can smear the stuff around after each pressing and scraping. A little goes a long way, and a little rubbing alcohol cleans things (hands) up nicely.
DJL

 

[Ephraim]

after reading what everyone has written on this makes me wonder what did the old time gun bilders use. I think anything that works for you is the best for you to use it gets you to the same end after all. As far as messy the more you do the less mess you make after about 200 guns i don't get it on my face anymore maby in the next 47 years I will figger out how to keep my hands clean as well.

Ephraim

 

[Mike Brooks]

Tried the inletting black from TOW and I'll say one thing....it gets on everything that's even close by and my wife said I looked like a coal miner after using it.

Yer using to much. Back off a bit and you'll be fine.

 

[matt denison]

Candles and oil lamps work good but they tend to heat the part(s) so they're hard to handle. To get a lot of soot fast without the heat try:
Use an acetaline torch without any oxegen. It will put out a LOT of smoke for blackiing a barrel or a complete lock. If you don't have a torch try:
Masking tape. Pull ten inches off the roll, double it over and light it. Be prepared for a lot of soot. I have used these techniques when I get a persnickity lock that I need to black the whole thing to see what is causing a problem. You can black the whole length of a barrel in five seconds and it will still be cool enough to handle.

LaffinDog