jeweling gun parts

[gutterman]

Was wondering if it is possible to jewel the parts on revolvers, like the hammer, by hand? I would like to try the jeweling process, but do I really need a press if only jeweling the hammer? If it is possible, what tools are recommended?

 

[rcmodel]

Not really.

The only way to get the exact over-lap on each swirl and make it look professional is with a drill press and jeweling fixture, or mill and a mill table.

It is almost impossible to do it good free-hand.

Anyway, jeweling on revolver hammers & triggers looks kinda tacky and Blingish if you ask most revolver folks.

rc

 

[dfariswheel]

Jeweling is often more properly known as engine turning because of the drill press or "engine" used.

There's just no way to do it without some sort of fixture, even if you turn the tool with a drill or an electric screwdriver.
Attempt to just press the tool to the part by hand and it instantly skids away.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Jeweling or engine turning the hammer and trigger was popular back in the late 50's and 60's. It has gone out of style today.

You just do not have the precision needed to do this free hand. Best results are with a mill.

Here's a 10/22 bolt I did on my small mill using a Dremel nylon brush head. I used a piece of shrink tube over the bristles to keep them from spreading and a med grit compound.

 

[gutterman]

thanks for the opinions. I've never tried this process, but in hearing that the jeweling is just not as popular as it used to be, is enough info for me not to continue. Don't want to ruin a good thing. Thanks.

 

[biggyfries]

Nice job on the 10-22 bolt, madcrate! Even if its not 'popular', I'd like a bolt that looked like that!

 

[Geneseo1911]

I've always liked that look. I still the love dash in my '80 Trans Am.

That 10/22 looks great to my eye, and I'm hoping to do something similar to mine. I have a drill press with a vise with a cross slide vise that I think might just work. I was going to buy "jeweling brushes"; I never even thought about the dremel brushes I already own. Got any other tips?

Hmmm...I wonder how that would look on a Glock.....

 

[rcmodel]

A rubber #2 lead pencil eraser & fine grinding compound works as good as anything.

Brushes want to splay out and make 1/2" rings when you are trying for 1/8" or 1/4" rings.

rc

 

[Jim K]

I once did quite a lot of jewelling (engine turning) on rifle bolts, shotgun bolts, pistol barrels, revolver hammers, and the like. Jewelling was originally used on the inside of shotgun locks and pistol/revolver actions to hold oil for lubrication. Then it got to be used outside, mainly for show. The fad seems to have gone away, partly due to the fact that the jewelling on a moving part, like a rifle bolt, will almost inevitably be scored or marred by the movement of the part in the action, and the result will look (IMHO) like heck. Jewelling looks great if the gun is to be hung on the wall and admired; for a practical gun, I usually advise against it.

Jim

 

[olafhardtB]

Jewelling is a great way to refinish those winchester 94 receivers that seem to defy re-bluing. I used up several pencil erasers on the last one. On the next one I am going to try short pieces of plastic coated steel cable.