Files and Stones

[Mr-Derek]

I just finished my first build and now it's time to do all the polishing and final dehorning. Can you guys that have done a good amount of this finish work give me some links to go buy some quality stones and files.

I'm going to media blast the stainless slide and frame and then polish the flats. Have you ever used an orbital palm sander to finish with 1000+ sandpaper (wet of course)?

[-hanko]

I just finished my first build and now it's time to do all the polishing and final dehorning. Can you guys that have done a good amount of this finish work give me some links to go buy some quality stones and files.

I'm going to media blast the stainless slide and frame and then polish the flats. Have you ever used an orbital palm sander to finish with 1000+ sandpaper (wet of course)?

Brownells.com for the tools. If you get a recommendation for Midway, eBay, amazon, etc., be aware that Brownells shows country of origin. The others are outstanding in selling a bunch of cheap Chinese tools.

For flats, I use silicone carbide paper, water for lubrication, and move the flats over the paper on top of a sheet of 1/2" plate glass. Patience is key.

[MrBlazito]

Send a PM to MosinVirus. He has the expertise. Or just wait for him to chime in

[Dezrat]

For the slide flats don't even think about an orbital sander as it won't come out flat enough and you'll likely be unhappy with it. Wet or dry paper(silicon carbide), good unwrinkled sheets, on a surface plate or piece of glass as mentioned if you don't have a surface plate. Start with 320 or 400 and work through 600, and up to the 1000 keeping it wet with plenty of Kerosene. Wet down the surface plate or glass with the Kerosene first and it will keep the paper adhered to it as you draw the slide over it. Takes a while but worth the results. Depending what kind of look you're after, you'll probably be pleased with the look by the time you get cleaned up on the 600 paper, maybe even the 400.
If you get serious about "metal sculpting", the very best professional tools can be found at gesswein.com.
Have fun and looking forward to pics!