Getting ready to sandblast

[chperez]

I'm going to sandblast the 36 I'm fixing up because the outside is too rusted and pitted to get a nice finish with sandpaper. Are there any spots I should avoid sandblasting except the obvious ones like the inside of the barrel or the chambers?

Note: This is my first revolver, but I did completely rebuild, sandblast and cerakote my EDC West German Sig P228, so I know to avoid any moving parts or at least smooth them after sandblasting.

 

[chperez]

Well, sandblasting done, sent to get it blued, I'll post pictures once it comes back. I'm still trying to find the damned ejector rod but in the meantime I can assemble the rest of the gun

 

[rog8732]

Your work / hobby has passed on over any answers to your question; but seems like you have it all under control.

Hope you took some "befores" and will do some "afters" ?

 

[JohnRippert]

I'm just wondering if it was more of a bead blasting than a sand blasting. Looking forward to the pictures.

 

[kraynky]

I'm interested in the before and after too. I have never even thought about sandblasting a revolver, but I'd say once it was disassembled, you would only have the frame, barrel and cylinder to blast, all moving parts should have been removed.

Curious to see the results!

 

[rog8732]

I have bead blasted a SS police turn in revolver for a few pits and some badly discolored areas. I understand sand-blasting will actually wear away metal, while beads do not.

I masked the S/N, the S&W logo, and the info along the barrel and at the yoke/crane for the first heavier blasting, and then removed the masking for a lighter touch-up to even the finish out.

I removed the hammer, trigger and the rest of the internals but put the side plate and screws back in place. I plugged the bore with foam ear plugs as well as the six charge holes of the cylinder.

I did the cylinder, with ejector rod and ratchet removed, separately from the frame, and the match to frame is perfect.
I did not blast the hammer and trigger as they were hardcased with no flaws, nor did I blast the ejector rod and ratchet.

Two problems cropped up with my project. Using compressed air to clean away the bead residue, it somehow blew away one of the ratchet alignment pins I had to replace.
More important, this being my first blasting attempt I used a too coarse A O beads.
The finish, while very even and not at all unsightly, has a somewhat "raw" feel to it. I can always redo with a finer bead, but for now I am pleased.