How to restore a MG42 Barrel

[Thomas Anf]

Hi,

I have recently bought a MG42 barrel that I need to restore. The barrel is a deko barrel but I want to have it restored the right way so no "value", historic or money wise, is lost. Plus it will help me learn how to restore old weapons.

The barrel has some rust on it, so what I was thinking was to put the barrel in a lathe and while it is turning applying some 000 or 0000 steel wool to it perhaps with a dap of oil.

Is this the way to go? I want to keep what little original finish/bluing there might be.

I have tried to upload some pictures via these links

http://postimg.org/delete/tjvsoed26/

http://postimg.org/delete/9opy9gxis/

http://postimg.org/delete/b2wxoj33e/

http://postimg.org/delete/rhy5z2u4m/

Tom

[dixiedrummer]

Some dry 0000 is sufficient for most of the rust. It's possible to damage the bluing if you use oil and 0000. After you get the rust off, then wipe it down and oil it. A brass brush works well too. I'd do it all by hand instead of on the lathe though. I wouldn't consider this "restored," just cleaned up and preserved.

[me6_130]

From what I could see in those pics, the barrel is even slightly pitted. I use a metal brush on the drill, but not a too new one, so it removes the rust and polishes the metal.

Carles

[me6_130]

I have put a bit of light to your pics and it confirms what I thought. I doubt there is any bluing left on that barrel but if you clean as I suggested, it might look nice. You should not press too much, just letting the brush polish the rust so it falls off and "blackens" what is left.


Carles

[me6_130]

Here you can see some parts of a PT34 I cleaned with that method. One without cleaning and the other cleaned. I should say they did have much blueing left.

Carles

[Thomas Anf]

wow that looks awesome.

I will have to try that. The brush you are referring to is a cup brush or just any steel brush that can be attached to a drill? Are you using full speed or is the speed not an issue?

You said not a new brush. How come? if I can only get a new brush should I do anything to it before using it on the barrel?

Best Regards,
Thomas

[me6_130]

Just the normal kind of brush. Make sure it is not too short and the hairs no too strong. If it is new, make it roll against some metal tool, to the hairs turn to one side, that way they won't scratch the metal when you polish the barrel. You will have to try different pressure on the barrel, if too much you will make it bare metal shiny, if too little, it won't remove the rust.

Carles

[robinhood]

Some good advice here.
plus a good find.
hopefully going to look good in a mg
Rob

[merdock]

Hi,
Will watch the results with interest I have a rusty barrel ,slightly bigger?

[me6_130]

Just remember that in ancient history iron was known as the "black" metal when compared to bronze (golden brown). The colour is due to the natural oxidation of the outer layer of metal, when polished. Blueing is nothing else than an artificial chemical oxidation layer, so if iron or steel are rusted and you carefully polish the surface, you will get an "natural" blueing.

I have been cleaning some MG131 belt links a while ago. I decided to clean a couple of MK108 links for you to see that, even if pitted, metal items might get that natural black colour if polished carefully.

Carles

[me6_130]

If you don't feel too confident, then use a low speed and the side of the brush (pic #1) not the front (#2). When you get used to it, you can increase the speed.

Carles

[Thomas Anf]

sorry to bring up this old old thread, but I have been away for a long time with work and I have not had any time until just recently. I owe you guys some pictures and you will get them hopefully this summer

[gurtsack]

hello,
I use the same method as ME160 but I use in addition the small part and the less rusty part, a DREMEL and smaller brush with WD40.

My MG24/29(f) or MG116(f)

before




after, i have not reblueing after cleaning;
It is the original blueing.

[me6_130]

That's a great improvement Gurt

I did the same with two panzermantel MG34s I got some years ago.


Carles