I just used old engine oil. Heat the part and dump it into it,shake it dry.Hope for the best. Two years later it,s still black.

I too use flame bluing. No expensive chemicals – just a torch. I do clean the parts and try to keep finger marks off the bright polished steel before bluing.

I was thinking of using flame bluing for the steel parts (brakes etc) of a locomotive tender that I am refurbishing instead of black paint but I could experiment with chemicals if it truly gives superior protection. Has anybody had the opportunity to compare the two methods?

Phil H

Larry,

Using old/used engine is risky. Engine oils these days and petrol contain a load of highly toxic chemicals that are combined in the used oil. Fumes given off when quenching hot items are seriously bad. Maybe some on this forum will be able to say what these additives are. Having been through throat cancer and out the other side I would not wish that on anyone. Probably caused by doing silly things like that in my youth as I don't smoke and drink in moderation which are the main causes of this cancer.

Is the risk to your health worth risking for few bob!