Restoring laser markings...

TTSH

TTSH

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Attached is a typical example of a faded or rubbed-off laser marking on an S&W 3rd Gen semi-auto. I have one like this and I'm considering buying another... but I'd love to be able to restore the laser markings to "like new" condition. :)

Recently, a laser marking company has shown up at some local gun shows and the cost of their laser marking service sounded at least semi-reasonable to me... but they can't do anything (or at least do it right) without the laser marking computer file(s) for the particular marking(s) in question. :(

Does anyone know if these laser files... whatever the heck they are or look like... are available from Smith & Wesson or a 3rd party restorer? :confused:

Does anyone know if Smith & Wesson provides this service themselves... i.e., restoring faded/smudged laser markings? :confused:

Thank you! :)
 

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Personally I would try and have it stamped the right way somewhere.This was a cheap cost cutting method by the factory.
 
Laketime said:
Personally I would try and have it stamped the right way somewhere.This was a cheap cost cutting method by the factory.
Click to expand...
John R said:
I agree, I like the roll markings much better.
Click to expand...
Well, I understand the cost cutting aspect and I prefer the old roll markings too... but put an old style rolling marking onto a 3rd Gen TSW slide? :confused:

I think I better stick to the original laser markings (if it can be restored) or just remove and leave it off altogether. :(
 
If they are that important maybe an engraver could handle this...

Randy
 
growr said:
If they are that important maybe an engraver could handle this...

Randy
Click to expand...
I can't imagine it would be cheaper than this laser guy I found. :o And Lord knows I am not made of money. :( Hardly. :rolleyes:

The key (apparently) is that S&W tactical logo file... to be loaded into the computer than controls the laser engraver. I know NOTHING about how that works or what the file should even look like. :(

All I'm trying to find out is whether or not that "file" is available outside the walls of S&W for this local laser guy to use. :confused: Otherwise, he must work from a photograph of another gun and the results will probably suck. :o
 
I watched Midway's Larry Potter laser etch/engrave new caliber markings on a rebored chamber and barrel installation. The process pretty much depended on the digital image on his pc. I would think a downloaded photo or drawing is sufficient. The rub here is the paper and printer used probably has special or unique properties that allow the low voltage electrolysis transfer of the image to etch/engrave the metal.

Not suggesting you buy the equipment but my point is that he simply typed the numerical digits and caliber on his screen and the printer transfered the image or pattern to paper which was taped to the barrel. The process was very quick and the results looked good. There's a youtube vid out there showing the whole process and probably would give you a much better idea than my lame explanation but I think that may well be what you're looking for.
 
torizus said:
I watched Midway's Larry Potter laser etch/engrave new caliber markings on a rebored chamber and barrel installation. The process pretty much depended on the digital image on his pc. I would think a downloaded photo or drawing is sufficient. The rub here is the paper and printer used probably has special or unique properties that allow the low voltage electrolysis transfer of the image to etch/engrave the metal.

Not suggesting you buy the equipment but my point is that he simply typed the numerical digits and caliber on his screen and the printer transfered the image or pattern to paper which was taped to the barrel. The process was very quick and the results looked good. There's a youtube vid out there showing the whole process and probably would give you a much better idea than my lame explanation but I think that may well be what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

torizus said:
Gunsmithing - How to Rebore a Rifle Barrel Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA - MidwayUSA
Click to expand...
Is that the process that was used by S&W to mark late 3rd Gen slides including TSW's? :confused: Or are you suggesting that as an alternative method of restoring the original markings? :confused:
 
You could contact the laser marking company you mentioned and ask them what kind (format) of digital file they need in order to reproduce the image.
If it's a "vector" file, you might be able to photograph an original marking, or make a digital copy of S&W artwork or rendering, and then convert the image to the vector file....or whatever format the company uses.
Perhaps they would etch you a sample based on the file you supplied on a piece of scrap. That way you could determine if the quality was comparable to the original.
I'm afraid that unless the etching company uses the exact process used by S&W, I doubt if the result would be comparable.
 
armorer951 said:
I'm afraid that unless the etching company uses the exact process used by S&W, I doubt if the result would be comparable.
Click to expand...
There's the bottom line right there. :( The more I look into this, the more I am convincing myself that it's not going to work out very well. :o

I need to call the mothership about this but I am way too busy today to do so. It will probably frustrate the heck out of me and ruin my day... so better off to do it when I'm not so dang stressed out. :o
 
Just to close this out...

I called the mothership last week and got the following answers:

"S&W is still servicing stainless steel "TSW" 3rd Gens and is able to restore the laser-appled slide markings... but it does require that you pay for a full slide refinishing for $250.00 + Shipping." :eek:

In response to the question of whether or not S&W would be willing to release its "TSW" slide laser image computer file(s) to a third party laser engraver, the answer was a simple "never"! :(
 
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