Marrinan
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
During conversations at the Engrave-In I decided to make up some steel buckle blanks that will eventually be color case hardened as well as blued. The blanks I have made are 3/32 and 1/8 inch cold rolled carbon steel. I talked with the folks at Turnbull to check on the appropriate steel and was told that at the thickness I am working at, that distortion will be an issue after case coloring. They explained that they sometimes have to correct the flatness of items after the process. I had planned to micro weld the belt loop and hook to the blank back prior to engraving or selling but after shaping. I can setup my press in such a way that the buckle could be shaped after color case hardening but i am not sure that those who buy the buckles will be able to re-shape the buckle with the loop and hook on the back. Welding the loop and hook after color case will probably not work as it may damage the engraving and coloring. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Fred