Polishing a barrel

[ljmontano]

I was polishing a barrel I just finished up chambering this morning and was thinking what a pain in the ass this was then it hit me. Work smarter not harder! I put a 1/2 cratex stick (fine) in a spare tool holder set the speed to780 rpm, ran the saddle up to the muzzle touched off on the barrel and then engaged the half nut did three passes added 2k on each pass for a total of 3 passes. This took all of 5 minutes at the most. I then hit with a little break cleaner and done. This is with only a fine cratex stick with a extra fine stick which I didn’t have it would have been a lot more shiny. No mess to deal with or grit on the bed and ways.

 

[ljmontano]

Just got off the phone after posting this with Dennis from Southwest Action Woks he told me to try it with a light coat of oil. I sprayed a light coat of WD and did one pass and it was tad bit shinier.

 

[LVLAaron]

Careful with that... you dont want abrasive cratex all over your machine, in your sump, etc.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I just get mine bead blasted. It's cheaper and doesn't affect performance. I don't get the shiny barrel thing, I guess.

 

[ljmontano]

I would would just use 3m pads the maroon one the the gray one and be done with it then I tried the cratex sticks and it was fast. I put a couple of paper towels on the way to see how much of the cratex particles were falling and there was nothing. You just touch the barrel.

 

[ridgeway]

Barrel spinner and a belt sander. No grit on machine...

 

[LVLAaron]

I got a belt grinder because I was interested in Knife making... I gotta say... it's the most useful machine in my shop.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I use Scotch Bright.

 

[Bc'z]

I use Scotch Bright.

I use @Hntndad
Looks like chrome .