glass beads or walnut shell

[jimcaron]

Originally Posted by Kensal Rise

OH:
Not all oracles are true. And in this case, bead blasting is not my recco. I'd polish with water-lubed wet-or-dry to about 400 grit, then refinish. The rust process will knock it back to about 350 anyway.

What they don't tell you about bead blasting is that it eats away the solder joints along the ribs. Not much but some. And in some cases, it's enough to loosen an old rib. Or pave the way for it.

And... if you're a novice at Damascus finish, I'd recommend sending that work out to a pro. You'll be much happier with the result.

Best, Kensal

I'm with you on that one. Seems to me bead blasting a fine barrel is sort of like using a sledge hammer to drive a finishing nail.