FireStryker Living History Forum : Tinning Iron

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Topic: Tinning Iron

Woodcrafter
Member
Member # 197

posted 07-30-2002 02:27 AM

So far my attempts to tin coat ferrous metal has failed. This has been normal modern flat metal bar from the local supplier. Perhaps it has a high carbon content, higher than 14th century iron anyway. I have tried various fluxs. I have tried the method described in Theophilus and read Cennini. The metal bits I am working on are locks and chest fittings. I can pine pitch them black. But now I want to tin them. Has anyone succeeded in tinning ferrous metal?

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Woodcrafter
14th c. Woodworking

Registered: Jul 2001 | IP: Logged

Zanetto
Member
Member # 49

posted 07-30-2002 07:40 PM

Hi Woodcrafter,

Whenever I tin iron or steel (keys, buckles, washers, lock parts, etc.) I file the pieces with a fine file until they are bright. You cannot get the tin to adhere to the iron if there is any kind of black oxide, or scale on the steel. I usually start with my filed pieces, then clean them with acetone. I warm them slightly, paint flux on them, then swish them around in the tin bath. I then pull them out and give it a good shake to get rid of the extra tin. You can also wipe the hot pice with a rag to get the excess tin off. Lately, I've been painting more flux on the piece right as I pull it out of the tin bath. This gives a more even and thin coat of tin on your piece. Hopew this helps.

Rob

Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

Arik
Member
Member # 281

posted 07-30-2002 08:04 PM

Hi, Have you tried pickleing the metal first> A deluteacid will help etch the surface. Even soaking in white vinegar works, but takes awhile. Luck to you.

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Arik

Registered: Feb 2002 | IP: Logged

Ulfgar
Member
Member # 225

posted 08-05-2002 09:22 PM

Woodcrafter
Where do you get your pitch? The only source I have is from jewellery supplies where it is awfully expensive.

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Yes, these are bruises from fighting.That's right, I'm enlightened!

Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

Woodcrafter
Member
Member # 197

posted 08-05-2002 10:42 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I am relatively new at this high end metal working :-) Normally I just forge nails and make hinges.
http://www.jastown.com/
Is where I got the pitch from. It is called Brewers Pitch and is $7.00 USD per pound. No idea if it is expensive or not. It is real Pine pitch. Nice stuff.

Up to now, I have been heating the metal and rubbing on the tin. I have attempted to buff the metal on a wheel. Perhaps buffing is too fine. I shall take a fine file to it and see how that turns out, thanks.

How do you go about making a 'tin bath?'

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Woodcrafter
14th c. Woodworking

Registered: Jul 2001 | IP: Logged

Zanetto
Member
Member # 49

posted 08-06-2002 05:20 AM

Woodcrafter,

My tin bath is just an iron pot that I keep full of about 5 - 8 lbs. of molten tin on a propane camp stove. I am able to dip most of the small items I tin into it.

Rob

Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

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