pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Aug 6, 2022 18:45:18 GMT
It looks like your pistol is sighted in a bit low and to the left for that load.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 6, 2022 14:23:31 GMT
I've watched several of your reviews by this time I find them more meaningful than your cutting videos. Not to put down the cutting.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 6, 2022 13:58:01 GMT
I’ve often wondered about such things as I see all too often swords balanced on rocks, cement, or brick walls and thought myself as being overly cautious. I saw a photo or two where it appeared that you stuck the tip in the ground. I can’t say that will scratch the blade but I can say it will dull a keen edge. I have one machete and one kukri that I reserve for ground strikes when working because of this. That’s an attractive sword BTW.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 6, 2022 3:08:02 GMT
Thanks for the reply! I definitely learned that power tools are a bad idea, as is being lazy trying to maintain a collection that I am so proud of haha. As for steel wool, have you considered brass wool instead? I do not know if it would be better for swords, but I can assume so because it is my go-to for maintaining firearms. Still removes surface rust on them very well, but is a bit less harsh than steel wool. It is my understanding that brass wool is beneficial for this type of application because it doesn't "shed" as much as steel, and even if it does the tiny slivers of brass won't rust which if left on metal would lead to even more rust (with steel wool). I've also heard that brass doesn't scratch steel as much, since it isn't as hard of a material. I've always used it on both my blued and stainless firearms. I still recommend the grey scotch brite pads personally after being so impressed by them, but thought I'd throw that out there for consideration. I have not tried brass wool although for really stubborn caked on rust I have used brass, I think twice, in the form of a key as that was the only brass available to me and worked with limited success and without damage. But that rust was extremely stubborn thick. I do not believe brass wool is available and will have to be imported. As for #000 w/lubricant I find not harmful to finishes including firearms. I used to collect and had many antiques firearms in my collection and that’s what I used. I tried #0000 when the #000 was not available but that did not work as well as the #000. I believe the trick is using a lubricant. And if the gray Scotch Brite is equal to #00 steel wool #000 should be less abrasive.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 5, 2022 21:28:30 GMT
I have no idea what was in the disinfectant. It may have contained some alcohol but from the aroma much more. Below are photos of its unintended results. Cabinet for one. With no effort on my part and when I saw what I had done I said “YIKES” and did no more. If I continued no doubt I could have in time, removed all the finish, making it easier to repair. Maybe one day. The cane is a different case. In no time at all the disinfectant started unintentionally removing the unwanted varnish leaving light coloured wood similar to the cabinet. I repaired it by using wood oil. At first it seemed like a losing battle as the disinfectant was removing the oil about fast as I was applying it. I find in most cases oils tend to darken wood and prefer that to a stain. Oils make maintenance easier and is my favourite finish. In the case of the cane in its present state is duller than normal as I continue by using alcohol but have enough soaked in oil for it to retain the dark colour. With all paint removers I’ve used some sanding was needed and they created some mess when the finish was loosened then removed. With the disinfectants I never realized what was happening. I haven’t used the disinfectants enough to be completely familiar with the performance and am not necessarily promoting their use for this, just relating my experience.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 5, 2022 19:39:17 GMT
I'm guessing I'd have to sand the wood down quite a bit if I intended to restain it a darker mahogany color ... I think sanding won't be necessary, possibly. During the initial part of the pandemic when alcohol was not available we used household disinfectant in spray bottles. Spray bottles were available but no alcohol. I cannot remember any brands but no matter as they are probably not in your country. I only remember they were the cheapest brand of whatever the store was able to obtain. That damn stuff removed the varnish of whatever the manufacturer used on the furniture, cabinets, etc. It also removed the finish on my cane. Fortunately that wasn’t my more expensive EDC. That was a second that came with my dismay varnished. And had intended to remove with paint remover but never got around to it. That disinfectant took the varnish off easier than any paint remover I’ve used. There was no sanding, no mess. Just due to ordinary handling. Once I saw what was happening I went out of my way to rub the entire shaft. It was a slower, but not all that slower process than paint remover and much cleaner. I hadn’t noticed it working for the first few days. On the furniture it worked faster. Maybe noticeable faster is more accurate. You won’t have much, only a few coins, invested in a bottle and I’d give it a try before any sanding.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 5, 2022 14:40:54 GMT
Thanks for the follow up and I am glad that you got your blade back to your liking. For surface rust I use #000 steel wool and a light oil, WD-40 being my favourite. I did not mention that before as I thought you had removed the rust and was trying to restore the final polish. As for a power tool, never for me other than a belt sander. A rotary tool no-no. Metal Glo will give a bright finish that I can see why some would like. I prefer a more matt finish as that does not show scratches or flaws as readily. I would like to try gray Scotch Brite but the cost is a bit high as by the time I pay all of the import taxes and international shipping the selling price doubles and I find other methods work well enough for me. That and I understand they are equal to #00 steel wool, one grade more aggressive than the #000 that I use. And I should be able to buy #00 steel wool locally at a fraction of the price, but haven't tried.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 4, 2022 12:10:39 GMT
Welcome John, glad to have you.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 4, 2022 0:23:34 GMT
Thanks for the heads up. I don't think I'll ever have that problem but thanks. Nice stone by the way and should make a nice addition to the sword. Actually, when I started reading I thought you had ruined to sword. Thank goodness that's safe.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 3, 2022 21:41:41 GMT
From above “I am still testing but I think the target makes a difference as to the best type of edge in all aspects.” It looks like some kind of agreement there.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 3, 2022 20:04:43 GMT
Like the others I underestimated the damage by thinking a bend at the tip. First off, I’d say NO HEAT. It is far too easy to destroy the tempering. Certainly something you don’t want to do. I can think of types of blade deformities an amateur might attempt to repair. With that one and for the type of sword, a collector’s item, I’d consult a professional. I’d also check his qualifications. Anybody and his brother can say oh sure, no problem. And then chuck it in an unpadded vice and… You don’t want that any more than losing the temper.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 3, 2022 17:24:09 GMT
That's about my findings and why I stopped with the course belt for my machetes. That was included in the deleted part of my message above. That mouth wash bottle was cut with a machete with course grind. The machete went through the top, mouth, before passing through the body. IIRC the bottom part remained on the cutting board. I am still testing but I think the target makes a difference as to the best type of edge in all aspects.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 3, 2022 12:19:47 GMT
Sorry about the photos. I had a comment about changing the edge on two more machetes from 25 to 22½° as a follow up to a previous conversation and then decided it was too much and might be considered high jacking and deleted that part. It looks like I missed the photos.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 20:30:26 GMT
I love your final conclusion. LMAO That’s an interesting testing machine, the first I’ve seen. Attachments:
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 17:39:21 GMT
That was a surprise ending after the first cut. Any idea of the hardness of the harness of the EEF blade?
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 17:12:40 GMT
I saw your sword earlier today and was admiring it when I was called away before complimenting you on such a gorgeous piece. I'm envious.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 17:04:17 GMT
It looks like LL is learning more and more about geometry. Of his bowies that one impresses me the most by far. A very desirable bowie. I shouldn’t overlook Purna’s skill either.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 13:39:13 GMT
I have a list but my favourite is stick. I was fascinated with a bo for a while but found them not practical for EDC, at least for me. They will not fit in a taxi and were awkward on a bus. And with no wrist strap is inconvenient at times. Bringing me to a cane. I love them and have about a couple of dozen in my collection. But of course, only use only a couple as EDC. At first for self-defence, for which they proved most effective but these days I find a great aid to balance. A wrist strap is needed on only a few chiefly straight jobbies such as sword canes. The rest for the most part have oversized crooks that conveniently fit over my forearm or in a strap on my back pack. As for placing a cane w/crook over my forearm, I can place it over the arm in which I’m carrying it and back to the hand all without employing the other hand, which is of course convenient when needing both hands for some task. As far as an aid to balance, you might consider, if not already, using a prosthetic leg a balance act.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 12:57:01 GMT
I cannot help with the sword but can welcome you to the forum. Welcome.
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Post by pgandy on Aug 2, 2022 2:23:02 GMT
I like, very much. Good job so far and am glad that you were able to hide the hole. I can imagine how you felt on seeing it.
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