Stainless Steel tanks for bluing

[doubleDarms]

Hey you gunsmiths out there, I have 2 black iron tanks I use for bluing. And I just purchased a S/S tank for Parkerizing. My question is could I use the S/S tank for the Boiling water tank in the bluing process. I'm thinking since the bluing is allready done, what would it hurt ?

 

[Rustystud]

Bluing requires no contamination or you will get undesired results. I can not tell you if there will be enough copper, nickle, or chrome in a stainless steel tank used to boil barrels in to affect the outcome. I can tell you in the tank containing the bluing salts if you use antything other than iron you will get undesired results. I suggest that you call Brownells besides selling bluing tanks and salts they offer mini courses in bluing. I am sure someone there can give you information about using a stainless tank in the boil out process.
Nat Lambeth

 

[Preacher]

Like Nat mentioned you'll be in trouble if you use the SS tanks for bluing, but you will no problems with using a SS tank for the final boiling, I've done it for years with Brownells go ahead...

 

[doubleDarms]

I didn't think the S/S tanks could hurt anything in the final hot boil step, but wasn't totally sure. Thanks fellas !

 

[buckhunter62]

Brownells sells a stainless tank for the boil out.I've found that my water gets suspended minerals in it when it boils for a while. If I dip in oil right after the hot water tank I'll get white spots. So I now rinse again in the cold water rinse before putting in the oil. Make sure you have water running so the tank is clear.