Mirror Finish On Barrel

[cwood3]

I have a stainless barrel,new) and action. I'd like to polish it to get a mirror finish. I heard somewhere that you get better results by "draw polishing", where the buffing medium is run parallel to the bore axis. This is to prevent "waves" that might develop through the use of spinning the barrel in a lathe or similar device. I know to go slow, don't get things hot, etc. Anyone use this "draw polishing" method? I'd guess using green,for stainless) compound with a spiral-sewn wheel, then go to green compound with a loose-sewn wheel. Make sense ? Am I thinking crazy ? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

CW

 

[sjk]

Draw polishing will give you exactly what you state, fine finish with no waves depending what grit you finish with. I draw polished for 35 years before blueing and they all came out with a mirror finish. I was able to charge considerably more for the jobs as they turned out superbly. Spinning it on a lathe will only produce waves. I learned this from an "olde" timer when I first started out and it was well worth the extra hand work. However, S/S being softer then 4140 etc, will not be nearly as glossy due to this fact
LOL

 

[cwood3]

One thing I have on this project is time. I just hate it though, when a buddy or nice lady calls me up in the evening and have to state that I can't go down to the waterin' hole cause I'm polishing my barrel..............................CW

 

[sjk]

CW,
Good move, but in my case I have to choose the barrel over a fine young lady. Nothing intended about our fine feminine gender. I was born during prohibition The mind is the second thing to go
John

 

[Preacher]

I use a wide flat long holder purchased at a paint store to hold the paper while working on a spinning barrel, and so far no waves in the finish.
When I used my big Baldor I always finished it up by going the long way, ie, draw polishing..