Thanks DOUBLEDUECE1! I thought of trying that string idea to form the "pattern" but was not sure how that would work without trying it out. I know this would not look like an old original rifle but it was one way I thought of to add my own touch to the rifles I build. I don't want to copy what someone else has built, I just want mine to look a little different than any one with the same style rifle. I considered using gauze (thin, narrow) so it would be easier to wrap but I think that would be to uniform in size and not really tiger striped per se. I guess I'm going to have to grab some metal and do a little experimentin' to see if I can find a simple method.
Hi,
I have not had any luck in getting a false Damascus stain pattern on any of my gun barrels, but I have etched a Damascus pattern on the barrels with a cotton thread ( fine thread ) soaked in nitric acid, then wrapped ( barber pole pattern ) around the full length of the barrel, then I wrap the barrel with plastic wrap ( Saran Wrap ) I leave the barrel for three days. I have not had any luck in wrapping with multiple threads as they float all over the place.
After removing the plastic wrap and the nitric acid soaked thread ( use plastic gloves or you will burn and stain your fingers)
I then lightly sand paper ( 220 metal sand paper ) the barrel. I use a wood backer on the sand paper so as to NOT over paper.
All you want is a trace of the spiral wrap. I do this several times to get the Damascus pattern.
Then brown as you would normally.
When doing this process, it is better to do it prior to installing your sights as they will interfere with your wrap.
To start, I wrap the tang with plastic wrap, then pass the thread through the tang screw hole, and tie it off, to hold the acid thread in place.
I also put a wood dowel in the barrel to tie the thread of at the muzzle.
It really gives you a deceivingly Damascus pattern.
Good luck!
Fred
