Polishing

[eric1911]

Hello,

I would like to bevel the 1911 slide by myself.
I find some tools on Amazon, but not sure if they are enough for the work.

https://www.amazon.com/REXBETI-Premium-Precision-Triangle-Half-round/dp/B07MVW7CLM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3O0EQF8X0U3AP&dchild=1&keywords=gunsmith+file+set&qid=1594173510&s=hi&sprefix=gunsmith+file%2Ctools%2C215&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194Q8Y2Q?pf_rd_r=9Y8CBDZWJH17V7P7YCVB&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee

Please advise
Thanks!

[eric1911]

The current finish is hard chrome. I would like to have the polished surface looks similar to the hard chrome, so I can save a refinish.

[snacks]

Hard Chrome is a coating. If you start sanding/shaving you take the protective layer off. Bare metal will show. It's just like when you chrome wheels it's a plating.

Of course hard chrome is harder and more resistant to wear.

['ol shooter]

Might want to buy some butcher knives, you are heading in the right direction.

[NeilMo]

Must be April 1st again

[Samuel Jurado]

OP, just because something can be done doesn't necessarily mean it should be done. You may have to skill to bevel & polish the edges of your 1911 slide. But as previously mentioned, if you remove the protective coating you will be exposing bare metal that will need a lot of constant attention, no matter how shiny you get the surfaces. Now if you had a stainless steel slide...

If this were mine, I'd send it to Brett at https://cifaldiprecision.com/

[eric1911]

OP, just because something can be done doesn't necessarily mean it should be done. You may have to skill to bevel & polish the edges of your 1911 slide. But as previously mentioned, if you remove the protective coating you will be exposing bare metal that will need a lot of constant attention, no matter how shiny you get the surfaces. Now if you had a stainless steel slide...

If this were mine, I'd send it to Brett at https://cifaldiprecision.com/

I know the bare metal will expose.
But is it a problem? I will oil the surface every time after use

[snacks]

Possible corrosion plus flaking of the remaining hard chrome. If it was stainless it’s easier to refinish via media blasting.

I’m guessing your hard chrome is shiny and not a matted finish like some hard chrome are done hence stating polishing it.

When it comes down to it it’s your pistol and you can do whatever you want to it.

But I would recommend asking an actual smith before proceeding. Also not sure what type of 1911 your wanting to do the work on?

I would ask Brett what he would recommend.

[ar15barrels]

The current finish is hard chrome.
I would like to have the polished surface looks similar to the hard chrome, so I can save a refinish.

Not going to happen.
Plan on a full refinish.

[AlHO1966]

Please don’t do anything you are thinking about doing.