Bling On A Budget Part II

[chongman]

Everyone must remember Larry's (breakfastchef) Bling On A Budget Custom Crosman 1740 from a few months back.

I'd like to continue that concept, doing cool stuff on the cheap. 

I'll begin with a 2240 tube.  To start, gather some 220,320, and 400 grit silicone carbide (the black type) sand paper. I used half a sheet of 220, a sheet of 320, and almost two sheets of 400. I also used some 0000 steel wool.

Sand your tube to the level of finish that suits you.  I'm not quite done with the steel wool yet, my hands are cramping so I have to take a break!





In case your wondering where we are going with this it's not going to be just a polished tube!

Stay tuned for the next installment 

[breakfastchef]

You worked pretty hard on that, Michael, to remove most of the circumferential marks that are on most tubes. The last tube I got could have doubled as an emery board.

[bgmcgee]

Looks good. That's a lot of hand work there. Myself I'm lazy so I get out the power tools.

[chongman]

Your right Larry, some of the tubes are downright disgraceful.

I like to work the metal by hand vice power tools.  In this case it's something you can do most anyplace...sitting on a stack of pallets during lunch hour or when you just want to get in the "zone" without making any noise.

So, while your getting your tube ready (in case there's anybody working with me on this), go ahead and get the tube plug and C02 cap started too. The C02 cap we will just polish out the machine marks on the face, leaving the slot and knurled portion blued finish intact.



This is not exclusive to the 2240 so break out your 13xx tube and join in 

Edit: For the curious we will take these parts to Gauntlet II. The guys on low budget will be able to stand out!

[Crosshairs]

Looking good Mike.

[targettgii]

Looking good Mike.


x1

[BigErn]

Looking good so far    Polishing the tubes is the hardest thing to polish 

[crossliner]

Looking good so far    Polishing the tubes is the hardest thing to polish 

Here I just pay my plater friend $3 max to do it for me 

[BigErn]

Here I just pay my plater friend $3 max to do it for me 

  LUCKY!!!  I spent hours and hours polishing my tube   

[chongman]

Well, it seems nobody is joining in on this so I will proceed 

I'll start with the tube plug...



I have some cheap mustard, scored from the local shop n' rob and some tooth picks for application. You can do anything you like here, I just went with a random pattern.



After letting it set" for twenty minutes I washed off the mustard and scrubbed with some baking soda to stop the acidic process.



You could (and I will) go for another application of the mustard within the pattern to increase the details. A protective coating with EEZOX will be done when the plug is finished.

So, now that you have see what you can do to enhance the look of your parts on a seriously low budget... go for it!

[breakfastchef]

So, now that you have see what you can do to enhance the look of your parts on a seriously low budget... go for it!

I learned something new today. The mustard mod is outstanding, Michael. Subtle and interesting. I just finished polishing a 2240 tube, end caps and a breech this weekend. May have to consider trying this little delight.

[bgmcgee]

That's a pretty cool idea Michael.  Can't get much more budget friendly than that. All you need is a hot dog to finish off the mustard.

[chongman]

Barry, hotdogs I got  Always no less than 4 packs in the freezer, all year long!

I think the "mustard" mod" looks pretty cool. I guess we could call it "Metal Camo"

[Davio]

Very cool mod, Master!   

This grasshopper began the mod in earnest, but with grey poupon.  It looked so good I ate it!  Will see how it turns out in a couple more days. 

[Currahee]

we did the same thing on knives and muzzle loaders to age them, really a nice look when you are done with it. you can do the same with ketchup, anything with a high acid content.