TT57 135 Posted April 11, 2014 ok, got a guy at work - USCustoms- wanting to know if i can etch on the lower receiver AR for their rifles. ?? I am now sure if the blast cabinet with Alum Oxide will do that toughness. Any thoughts on what i can try/practice on ? Has anyone on here done this or any gun parts.? Also, when etching on pocket knives and such, would it need to be coated with anything afterwards? Help a girl out here !!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sluggo2u 32 Posted April 11, 2014 The finish on them should be similar to the knife blade you've already done. You really, really, want to keep the alum oxide out of the internals though. Are they going to strip them before you blast them? My lower is etched in a similar fashion and needs no protection. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT57 135 Posted April 11, 2014 strip them? i am sure they will do what is needed. Can you show a pic of the one you did ? And, did u use AO ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sluggo2u 32 Posted April 11, 2014 Strip.....Disassemble. There's lots of small moving parts in there that need to stay clean. I just did some reading on it and the most common coating would be Type III hard anodizing. The recommended way to etch is with a laser. Some manufacturers paint their lowers. If painted you can probably do it. Find out who manufactured the lower and check their website to see how they coat them. Or you could just ask the customs guys, they probably know by looking at it. Some aluminum cookware is hard anodized. You may be able to use something of that sort to practice on. Maybe they have an old part you can try. Lowers are the only part of an AR that require registration and handling by an FFL. I don't think simply doing some etching could get you in trouble but double check to be certain. Sorry no pics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mercer57 243 Posted April 11, 2014 Not to sound stupid, but blasting a blued receiver would create all kinds of rusting issues? I am not sure, just saying it sounds like a bad idea to me , Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HDN 95 Posted April 11, 2014 Do you have an FFL? Be real careful. If you etch / remove the serial number you are going to have a bigger problem then you would care to deal with. What are you looking to put on the receiver Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knucklehead 530 Posted April 11, 2014 I may be wrong, but (legally) I think you may have to have a license, to do 'anything' to the lower, if it's not yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
