Anodizing handgun frames, can it be done?

[lewisracing]

I want an FDE color sig 220r combat but they are really expensive new. So that brings up a question, can i just get a cheaper used 220 for now and if i feel like it later, have the frame anodized?

No need to comment about the difference between a 220 and 220r combat, i already know. And no comments if u like the gun or not, i just want to know about anodizing.

Assume that i will strip the entire gun myself, just leaving a bare frame for the guy to anodize.

[Munk]

Anodizing = not hard to do. Biggest issue is alloys used will take different colors differently.

If you hand him just the piece of metal that constitutes the frame and it requires no parts to be removed, he'll probably be happy.

Power source, bucket'o' solution (Depending on color), and the piece to be anodized. Since you've removed everything, he gets to clean it, and toss it in the bucket, then wait a while.

(These are the basics, theres sometimes a little more, but it really is simple)

[ke6guj]

probably be better to just duracoat it or something. you have to strip off the old anodizing so that it can be re-anodized. Coating the existing anodizing would probably be easier/cheaper.

[Blademan21]

Kind of off topic but have to share. My knife making buddy used his etching machine for the power source,dipped the etching pad in Diet Coke,and then coated titanium bolsters with the solution. Parts came out a nice wine or purple color. The color was very durable.

[lewisracing]

Anodizing = not hard to do. Biggest issue is alloys used will take different colors differently.

If you hand him just the piece of metal that constitutes the frame and it requires no parts to be removed, he'll probably be happy.

Power source, bucket'o' solution (Depending on color), and the piece to be anodized. Since you've removed everything, he gets to clean it, and toss it in the bucket, then wait a while.

(These are the basics, theres sometimes a little more, but it really is simple)

This completely answers my question, 5 stars for your answer, thanks!!!

[lewisracing]

probably be better to just duracoat it or something. you have to strip off the old anodizing so that it can be re-anodized. Coating the existing anodizing would probably be easier/cheaper.

I will consider that too, although I like the way the anodized coating shines. Thanks for the idea though.

[lewisracing]

Kind of off topic but have to share. My knife making buddy used his etching machine for the power source,dipped the etching pad in Diet Coke,and then coated titanium bolsters with the solution. Parts came out a nice wine or purple color. The color was very durable.

Wow, diet coke huh?! Never would have guessed that! And to think, I used to drink that stuff and you can color guns with it... think of what your stomach must look like!

[corporateslave]

Since the frame is already anodized, if you want to get it redone you would have to get it stripped first. Generally when anodize is stripped it is difficult to keep all the dimensions exactly the same. For a gun with tight tolerances stripping and reanodizing the frame might not be the best idea.

[lewisracing]

Since the frame is already anodized, if you want to get it redone you would have to get it stripped first. Generally when anodize is stripped it is difficult to keep all the dimensions exactly the same. For a gun with tight tolerances stripping and reanodizing the frame might not be the best idea.

Good point, thanks!

[Dr Rockso]

Kind of off topic but have to share. My knife making buddy used his etching machine for the power source,dipped the etching pad in Diet Coke,and then coated titanium bolsters with the solution. Parts came out a nice wine or purple color. The color was very durable.

Titanium is cool in that the layer of oxidization is transparent (like aluminum), but so thin that it has a 'color' based on the interference between the light reflected by the coating and the light reflected by the metal itself. That's why you can anodize Titanium different colors without having to use dyes, and you can select the color just by changing the voltage applied (the layer only grows thick enough to resist the applied voltage).

[tozan]

Since the frame is already anodized, if you want to get it redone you would have to get it stripped first. Generally when anodize is stripped it is difficult to keep all the dimensions exactly the same. For a gun with tight tolerances stripping and reanodizing the frame might not be the best idea.

Agreed you can not anodize something with anodize on it, because anodizing does not conduct eletrical current and that curent is needed for the anodizing process. Corporateslave is right, although I think it will be "difficult" in the very least... IMHO think a stronger word is in order....