Three such burner units should be enough for the ordinary shop, and can be arranged with regard to the
space available in the bluing room. If sufficient space allows the burners and their tanks to be placed
end-to-end, this is the most easily managed setup. If space is limited, one burner may be placed behind
another.
Place the burners between 30" and 35" from the floor, and when making the tanks install iron faucets in
on end of the tank. This makes emptying of tanks easier, and almost all the contents can be drained
without lifting the tank at all. An deep fat thermometer call be used to check temperatures of hot liquids,
but it is better to buy one of Brownell's thermometers, as they can be used to set the temperature closer.
The bluing or blacking tank should be cleaned and neutralized (by acid wash) when a solution is
changed. If the same formula or mixture is to be used, washing with plain water is OK. Covers should be
provided for the tanks, for keeping dust and dirt out.
BLACKING SOLUTIONS
The following is a formula that I have used for 20 years to blue or blacken firearms. This blacking
solution is probably the most practical of all blacking processes, and I have found that it is almost
foolproof in operation. The ingredients can be obtained at low cost in most any rural areas. I have found
the finish is more durable than most I have seen. In appearance and wear resistance it resembles the
finish used by Germany on military small arms.
Lye 2 parts
Ammonium Nitrate I part
Water see below
White Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer, the 33% type used by farmers
The household lye or sodium hydroxide (ordinary Lye is approximately 94%, Sodium hydroxide) you can
get at any grocery store. The ammonium nitrate you get at seed and farmers CO-OP stores, it is used
by gardeners and farmers.
Solution:- 5 pounds lye
2 1/2 pounds ammonium nitrate,
Per gallon of water
I have found that the best working temperature is between 285 and 295 degrees F. The solution lasts
almost indefinitely. Add a pound of lye every 10 or 15 jobs, or when you have trouble getting the
temperature up, and water as necessary.