Re: Strawing
Neil,
You do not need to heat the items selected for the straw more than once unless you are not happy with the color, and need to start over. Heat treatment is not a factor, as the parts are not exposed to much more than 300 degrees. The "quench" in light oil is intended to stop any color change the part might take on after removal from the heat source. The heat is "drawn" off rapidly, and the part will not take on any more color change. The oil is just a little slower than water, without worry of after-rust. In addition; you can improve the durability of the finish slightly by using a lower heat setting on the burner, allowing the part to reach color more slowly. Does take a little more patience tho. If you want any part "fire-blue"; increase the heat a little (around 600), and "cook" it longer. Don't do this to the take-down lever (locking bolt).
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