need help stripping a 1912 Erfurt for re-finish

sthomp · 11-09-2013, 07:45 PM

kubel...I didn't ask for all the details when I picked up the parts as I was so happy with the result. Based on what the owner told me when I took them in (he wasn't there when I picked up), I know they used Methylene Chloride (DCM or di chloro methane). Since I had used a stripper bought from an auto supply house which had MC as the active agent, but at a concentration of 16% as I remember, and did see noticeable affect, but no knockout punch, I believe they used a much stronger concentration and perhaps some very light buffing. There was no sign that the MC had any affect on the metal...very good thing, so time in solution I don't think would be critical. The problem for us types is obtaining and safely using a stronger solution. Given that this cost me $42 and I had already spent north of $100 on my failed attempts...no brainer, don't even think about it!
Parts shipped today for rebluing and strawing. Steve

sthomp · 12-26-2013, 06:01 PM

DONE!!!! I just got back from GT's house after putting it all back together. I received the parts from the refinisher, Charles Danner in KY a couple of days ago. I cannot say enough good about Charles' work. Given what we started with (see early pics) and what I sent him, I could not be more pleased with the outcome. As you remember, things looked very iffy in the beginning due to the Brit coating. One thing I did ask Charles to do was remove the British proof marks on the bottom of the barrel (some may disagree with that...but my choice). Compare the before and after bottom barrel. All in all, the result is actually better than I had hoped for. This is not a highly collectable "mint" Luger, but it sure is pretty! See for yourself.
My thanks, best wishes and a belated Merry Christmas to all of you who contributed your thoughts, ideas and encouragement.
Steve

11-09-2013, 07:45 PM	#1
sthomp User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 50 Thanks: 2 Thanked 26 Times in 12 Posts	kubel...I didn't ask for all the details when I picked up the parts as I was so happy with the result. Based on what the owner told me when I took them in (he wasn't there when I picked up), I know they used Methylene Chloride (DCM or di chloro methane). Since I had used a stripper bought from an auto supply house which had MC as the active agent, but at a concentration of 16% as I remember, and did see noticeable affect, but no knockout punch, I believe they used a much stronger concentration and perhaps some very light buffing. There was no sign that the MC had any affect on the metal...very good thing, so time in solution I don't think would be critical. The problem for us types is obtaining and safely using a stronger solution. Given that this cost me $42 and I had already spent north of $100 on my failed attempts...no brainer, don't even think about it! Parts shipped today for rebluing and strawing. Steve