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  #1  
Old 09-26-2019, 08:09 AM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Default Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??

I have a 4516 - 1, want to clean up the frame. Has anybody use Scotch-Brite pads to to clean up and brighten bead blast ???
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Old 09-26-2019, 08:25 AM
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Doesn't sound like it will work well without scratching the finish. Scotch bright pads should really only be used on your dishes.
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Old 09-26-2019, 08:58 AM
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Don't do it unless you want a brushed look.
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Old 09-26-2019, 12:50 PM
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Check out HorizontalMike’s post and link in the thread below. I didn’t realize that crushed walnut media would do such a good job of evening out (and removing rust) on steel. I have always hesitated getting a cheapo air compressor because of the hazards of using glass beads – but his post and a video in his link have convinced me otherwise. I don’t think you have to use a $300 air compressor ...

SS revolvers: Bringing back that original factory look...
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Old 09-26-2019, 01:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoJelly View Post
Check out HorizontalMike’s post and link in the thread below. I didn’t realize that crushed walnut media would do such a good job of evening out (and removing rust) on steel. I have always hesitated getting a cheapo air compressor because of the hazards of using glass beads – but his post and a video in his link have convinced me otherwise. I don’t think you have to use a $300 air compressor ...

SS revolvers: Bringing back that original factory look...
That's thread is on revolvers mine is a semi with bead blasting, just wanted to maybe use Scotch-Brite pads to brighten it up.
EDIT. My apologies I was thinking of a different thread I didn't even look at it.
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Old 09-26-2019, 04:16 PM
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What do you mean by "brighten up"? If you're trying to maintain the bead blast, don't use the Scotchbright (or any abrasive) pads -- they'll polish away the bead blast finish quickly.

If you're looking to turn bead blast into something more like a brushed or high polish stainless look, have at it.
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Old 09-26-2019, 04:43 PM
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Brighten up, there is some uneven wear on the frame not exactly polished corners but wanted to even it out. I have already highly polished the slide, but didn't want to go that far on the frame.
Can I use the really finer Scotch-Brites, and still keep most of the bead blast finish?
I was reading a thread where you can somewhat duplicate bead blasting by laying down 300 grit paper and then hitting it with a soft mallet. Has anybody done this?
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Old 09-26-2019, 04:48 PM
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Doc - I have done that for small scratches in the BB on the tops of slides and on revolvers (Model 64). I used 600 grit and, although very time consuming, it is a good way to minimize small scratches. With 600 grit, there is a small difference in texture if you hold it up to bright light – but good enough for Gov’t work!
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Old 09-26-2019, 05:02 PM
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Quote:
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Brighten up, there is some uneven wear on the frame not exactly polished corners but wanted to even it out. I have already highly polished the slide, but didn't want to go that far on the frame.
Can I use the really finer Scotch-Brites, and still keep most of the bead blast finish?
I was reading a thread where you can somewhat duplicate bead blasting by laying down 300 grit paper and then hitting it with a soft mallet. Has anybody done this?
Media blasting is a controlled pitting of the surface that diffuses light reflection.

It essentially consists of a surface with minuet peaks and valleys, if you use anything to abrade it, only the peaks will be affected and you'll end up with bright peaks and the untouched dull valleys, and it will stand out like a sore thumb from the rest of the blasted area.

I've tried the sandpaper trick, did not like how it turned out.
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Old 09-26-2019, 06:34 PM
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The sandpaper trick kinda-sorta works if you've got a mark in bead blast and want to blend it in. 300 grit is way too fine-at least for the one time I did it. 150 worked much better.

Back when I was doing maintenance on mega dollar machinery, Scotch-Brite was the only authorized way to remove dreck from the seal surfaces on pump/motor shafts. It would remove the stuff without changing tolerances. The gray stuff is the super fine, red is the coarsest.
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Old 09-26-2019, 07:01 PM
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I have always hesitated getting a cheapo air compressor because of the hazards of using glass beads – but his post and a video in his link have convinced me otherwise. I don’t think you have to use a $300 air compressor.
I use compressed nitrogen and a $20 Harbor Freight gravity feed gun. I’ve got a 250 cu.ft. nitrogen tank that lasts a long time for the small projects I do and at the pressure I regulate it to. I think it’s easier to maintain a constant pressure with the regulator than having a compressor cycling and a 50 psi swing. Plus the nitrogen is very dry and oil free, unlike compressed air that needs filtration, dehydration, and desiccation to attain the same purity. HF also has a good selection of blast media in many different grits.
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Old 09-26-2019, 07:24 PM
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The wet or dry sand cloth and a small steel or hard plastic hammer can be used to blend in a small defect in a bead blasted area.
It's not going to work well on a large area.

Using a Scotchbrite pad or any other abrasive or metal polish will destroy the original bead blasted finish.
The ONLY way to restore a bead blasted finish is to re-blast it.

Word of warning: When bead blasting stainless steel or aluminum you MUST either totally clean out the blaster and refill with new blast media, or use a blaster that's been used ONLY for stainless steel or aluminum.

If you use a blaster that's been used to blast carbon steel it will embed tiny particles of carbon steel in the stainless or aluminum and it can later rust, ruining the surface.

I once had a customer who blasted an aluminum pistol frame in a garage bead blaster that was used to clean car parts.
He was astounded when his aluminum frame began to rust.
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Old 09-26-2019, 07:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tlawler View Post
I use compressed nitrogen and a $20 Harbor Freight gravity feed gun. I’ve got a 250 cu.ft. nitrogen tank that lasts a long time for the small projects I do and at the pressure I regulate it to. I think it’s easier to maintain a constant pressure with the regulator than having a compressor cycling and a 50 psi swing. Plus the nitrogen is very dry and oil free, unlike compressed air that needs filtration, dehydration, and desiccation to attain the same purity. HF also has a good selection of blast media in many different grits.
For doing touch up work on a small area, this HF air brush style etcher does a great job too.

Air Eraser/Etching Kit
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Old 09-26-2019, 08:12 PM
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I have been doing beadblasting for over 20 years, The only thing that will freshen up a blasted finish is another blasting. The proper beads to use for the S&W factory beadblast finish is 270 grit, which Brownells sells. I got this information from PC gunsmith Jimmy Rae at the NRA convention in Pittsburgh a few years ago. Any other media or grit does not match the factory finish. I have had guns brought to me that were blasted with play sand and they were ruined, such a coarse surface that was unnatural and quite ugly. I use a large TP tools blast cabinet with a Champion compressor, I did start out with a small bench cabinet but did not really get serious about it until I invested in the pro setup. I only do guns in my cabinet so no issues with getting steel in my beads and depositing on the surface. I have learned a lot from doing this, especially how to take apart and reassemble a gun properly. Most important thing to do in prep is a thorough cleaning in a ultrasonic tank. Every part has to come out of the gun down to the smallest spring and pin or grit will be left behind. If any forum member needs blasting or any more information PM me. Terry
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Old 09-26-2019, 08:17 PM
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If you're going to use Scotch Brite, get the blue pads.
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Old 09-26-2019, 10:06 PM
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This is a lot of great information for everybody , keep it up guys .
No such thing as too much information.
Thanks for everything said so far.
But don't stop now
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Old 09-27-2019, 09:53 AM
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Kinda unrelated, but perhaps not, Busse Combat (knives), offered at one time for certain knives, a finish called "Double Cut".

The blade was brought to a extremely high polish and then that high polish was glass bead blasted with a fine grit. The final effect was somewhere between the two and really quite pleasing. But, it did take a lot of work, both in the polish and the blasting. Mostly offered for knives well above the $500 mark.

Rob
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Old 10-02-2019, 10:48 PM
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Hey guys, soon as I can find a new picture hosting website I'll get the pictures up but in the meantime, I went to the Ace Hardware and bought green Scotch-Brite pads and gray (fine grit).
I also used 400 grit wet sandpaper and 600 grit wet sandpaper. Disassembled the 4516 - 1.
First thing I did was put a sanding drum I my Dremel and I reprofiled the backside of the trigger guard next to the mag release where that little Point sticks out? That little point no longer exist, on either side, and I deepened the undercut under and behind the trigger guard where your middle finger would rest. This pistol is now very comfortable to grip , and I'm sure we'll be very comfortable to shoot when I get there.
I think it turned out pretty fantastic in my eyes, looks like some of the revolvers I've seen as examples . I would say about 98% of the bead blast is no longer visible, and the bead blast you could see you really have to look for in the right light. TimeWise when I figure in breaks and supper 5 to 6 hours.
What is a really good free picture hosting site to use to put photos on the Forum. As soon as I figure that out I'll post the pictures.
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Old 10-02-2019, 11:08 PM
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You can attach pics to your posts instead of having them on a photo hosting website... just click the "Go Advanced" button to go into advanced editing mode, and then scroll down to the "Additional Options" sections and use the "manage attachments" feature where you can upload up to 5 pics.

There's a limit of 5 per thread reply/post, so if you want to post more than 5 pics, you'll need to do it in multiple posts.
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Old 10-03-2019, 07:48 AM
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Posting pic's that are in your computer photo album is very easy. I can walk you through it if you can't figure it out on your own. As far as a pic hosting site imgur.com is very good and free.
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Old 10-03-2019, 08:05 AM
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I think I figured it out here you go guys.
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Old 10-03-2019, 08:12 AM
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Here is another Close Up Pic
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Old 10-03-2019, 08:55 AM
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From the experts who have done brushed finish, reprofiling, please tell me your honest opinions on how I did for my first time . I didn't like the high polish so I decided to do this and also re-profiled because that annoying point that sticks into your middle finger I had to get rid of.
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Old 10-03-2019, 01:44 PM
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Some info for those choosing the blasting route:

Glass Bead Media Testing on 5906 Frame
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Old 10-04-2019, 07:35 AM
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I think it looks good. It's a pleasing degree of polishing/brushing. Applying a radius to the edge where the trigger guard meets the receiver is nicely done and, in my opinion, something that S&W should have done.
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Old 10-04-2019, 07:59 AM
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I think it looks good. It's a pleasing degree of polishing/brushing. Applying a radius to the edge where the trigger guard meets the receiver is nicely done and, in my opinion, something that S&W should have done.
I've heard many people on Forum say stay away from the Dremel and the sanding drum it'll ruin your gun if you don't know what you're doing. I say use it , take your time, go slow. I also used somewhat used sanding drums , or took a new sanding drum and tamed it down a bit. Yes the radius where the trigger guard meets the receiver was necessary it was very annoying and actually painful , I love the grip on it now . As I said take your time go slow. Thanks for the reply and the kudos.
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Old 10-05-2019, 08:26 AM
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Back when we had longer signature lines, mine read "There is no problem that cannot be made worse with a Dremel. Just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should do it." The Dremel does have a place in gunsmithing, it is knowing how and when to use it and when to not use it. Smoothing sharp edges is a place for the Dremel.
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Old 10-05-2019, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
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Back when we had longer signature lines, mine read "There is no problem that cannot be made worse with a Dremel. Just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should do it." The Dremel does have a place in gunsmithing, it is knowing how and when to use it and when to not use it. Smoothing sharp edges is a place for the Dremel.
Know when to say when.
Several times I've told myself " put down the dremel and step away from the work bench "
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  #29  
Old 10-08-2019, 08:36 AM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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I love the way the 4516 - 1 came out I believe I'm going to do the same Scotch-Brite to my 4006 TSW CHP.
WHY ? Because I can.
I have already polish the slide to a bright shiny finish but now don't like it. Putting Scotch-Brite to it would work well.
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Last edited by Doc1500; 10-08-2019 at 08:42 AM.
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Old 10-19-2019, 03:04 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Several years ago I refurbished several dozen 3rd Gen pistols. After complete disassembly, I used a bead blast cabinet to refinish the frames and slides. With each gun sold, I supplied a sample of three types of Scotch-Brite pads. Below is a cut-and-paste of the instruction sheet sent out with the gun:

- - - - -


S&W 3rd Generation Pistols
January 2013

These guns came with a bead-blast finish over a stainless steel slide.

3-M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads
#7447 General Purpose (Maroon) Grit Equivalent 360-400
#7448 Ultra Fine (Light Grey) Grit Equivalent 800-1000
#7445 Super Fine (White) Grit Equivalent 1200-1500

Do not use the pads over any laser etching or it will be removed.

The Maroon pad is much rougher than the others. Only use it for very bad scratches or severe holster & seat belt rash (last resort).

Start with the white pad and give it a try first. This pad is Super Fine and will work out tiny scratches and blend the final finish. If greater abrasive is needed, then gently try the Light Grey pad. The Light Grey pad should be enough to work out any holster wear marks. If greater abrasive is needed, then VERY GENTLY try the maroon pad.

These pads will leave a “grain” marking on the bead blast finish – scrub too hard and the bead blast finish will be removed. Try to work in just one direction to avoid swirl marks.

Always finish up with the White Super Fine pad to blend any repairs with the original finish.

The pads will leave residue on your gun. Wipe it off and give a light coat of oil when you are finished.

Remember, harder is NOT better. If you really mess it up, these guns can be professionally bead blasted back to the original finish.
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Old 10-20-2019, 12:05 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Originally Posted by AR_Black View Post
Several years ago I refurbished several dozen 3rd Gen pistols. After complete disassembly, I used a bead blast cabinet to refinish the frames and slides. With each gun sold, I supplied a sample of three types of Scotch-Brite pads. Below is a cut-and-paste of the instruction sheet sent out with the gun...
If sounds like you are recommending a certain amount of hand work with the Scotch-Brite pads even after a bead blasting job. Can you explain why that is recommended?

I'm working that backwards on one of my recent used 3rd Gen acquisitions. In other words, I'm using the Scotch-Brite pads to fix all the minor flaws and scratches prior to an anticipated bead blasting job at some point down the road. It actually came out pretty darn satisfactory with the Scotch-Brite pads alone so I'm in no great rush.

I'm still having a little trouble getting the time-polished edges back to a clean, non-shiny, factory-finished look. Time to maybe try the sandpaper trick.
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Old 10-20-2019, 05:15 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Quote:
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If sounds like you are recommending a certain amount of hand work with the Scotch-Brite pads even after a bead blasting job. Can you explain why that is recommended?

I'm working that backwards on one of my recent used 3rd Gen acquisitions. In other words, I'm using the Scotch-Brite pads to fix all the minor flaws and scratches prior to an anticipated bead blasting job at some point down the road. It actually came out pretty darn satisfactory with the Scotch-Brite pads alone so I'm in no great rush.

I'm still having a little trouble getting the time-polished edges back to a clean, non-shiny, factory-finished look. Time to maybe try the sandpaper trick.
Doing my 4516 - 1, several spots that had bad scratches I use 600 grit wet sandpaper and then finished up with Scotch-Brite.
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Old 10-20-2019, 05:29 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Doing my 4516 - 1, several spots that had bad scratches I use 600 grit wet sandpaper and then finished up with Scotch-Brite.
Fortunately, no bad scratches... just some shiny edges that I would like to tone down.
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Old 11-02-2019, 01:54 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Quote:
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If sounds like you are recommending a certain amount of hand work with the Scotch-Brite pads even after a bead blasting job. Can you explain why that is recommended?
No pads should be necessary after a good bead blast job. I sent out pads with the refurbished pistols so the customer could touch up their pistol later if necessary; e.g. touching up wear due to holster rash.
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  #35  
Old 06-27-2020, 11:45 AM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Default Surface finish repair

I just bought this 639 for a project, and although the scratches on the left side of the frame were shown in the ad, I'm looking at them a little more critically and wondering whether there is any way to "spot treat" those places, or whether a trip to the blast cabinet is the only solution. Please note that glare in my iPad photo actually disguises some of the damage.

TIA ~ Froggie
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  #36  
Old 06-27-2020, 08:07 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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I took a couple of closer shots where the scratches are the worst... while the slide is in pretty good shape (of course, since I don’t plan to use it) but the area round the slide stop shows assembly and disassembly marks that look like it was done by a drunk named Bubba.

Froggie
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  #37  
Old 06-27-2020, 08:17 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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Here's some great data on using blasting media to remove defects and replicate the factory finish. I rehabbed an old 5906 several years ago, but just used 60-80 mesh silica. turned out great. The silica particles are more "rounded" than jagged, so they leave a softer finish than more aggressive media.

Glass Bead Media Testing on 5906 Frame
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Old 07-02-2020, 02:25 PM
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Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ?? Scotch-Brite pads to freshen bead blast 4516-1 ??  
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For hand rubbed finishes, the best knife makers use wet or dry paper glued to a steel plate but some use basswood.

That's how they avoid making those "fish hooks" in the finish as you run the paper down the surface. They clamp the knife down to eliminate any movement. I've seen high end shotguns prepped in a similar manner.
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