Protecting finishes.

[gadget_lover]

Hi Guys.

Sometimes one wants to work on a light that has a nice finish on it already. Cutting down a minimag would be an example. Boring out an CMG infinity would be another. Making cell extenders from D cell maglights would also run into this problem.

I would use leather, a rag or tape if it was in a vise.

So what's the best way to keep jaw marks off the light when it's been chucked in a lathe? What's the best way to fix it when the marks get made by accident?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[BugOutGear_USA]

We used to use "blue tape" when working on cars.

 

[unnerv]

gadget, for most of my stuff I don't use anything, for example the minimags. The ano is tough enough that as long as you get the peice in true and don't over tighten it holds up very well. In cases where the surface is more delicate like bare aluminum that has been repolished, I use a single layer of masking tape. A single layer of electrical tape offers a little more protection at the expense of rigidity.

Any marks you make in raw aluminum usually can be buffed out. In anodized items, you are pretty much out of luck. That being said, I have covered up quite a few nicks in mags using a simiallarly colored sharpie permanent marker /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gadget_lover]

Thanks guys. Masking or good old electricians tape it is. I've done the Sharpie trick too, but it wears off after a few months of pocket carry.

Daniel

 

[Loadedround]

For black anodized finishes you might try "Aluminum Black" from Birchwood Casey. It's made for touching up aluminum parts on firearms and optics, but should give good results on flashlights too. Follow instructions carefully.
Good Luck
LR

 

[red_robby]

i use a piece of inner tube from a tire