If I did it; I should know better!

[Ramar]

Started grinding work on 1858 Pietta Rem. for a cylinder conversion, more specifically relieving the loading gate area. 15 minutes into the grinding using a Dremel and a stone a crack appeared.

The question is: A) Did I cause it by overheating the metal?
B) Was the crack already there in the casting and I had to get down to it?
Pictures might help to get an idea of the size of the crack.

The revolver will be used for black powder only but it is in 45 colt.
Another question is: Should I fear shooting it will make it worse?

Feedback needed
Ramar



http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_21540500150db1c0cd.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5876)http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_21540500150db8f859.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5877)http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_21540500150dbce81a.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5878)

[Beekeeper]

Ramar,
I think the crack was ther all along and you simply exposed it.
Is it bad enough to break apart?
If it is you should inspect both pieces and I think it will show you iwas there a long time.
Dark metal on both halves " been there a long time".
Shiney metal on both halves " new crack or break".

My opinion (and it ain't worth much) just bad luck and or a bad casting.


beekeeper

[oldred]

I Seriously doubt you could get it hot enough to hurt it with just a Dremel tool, even if you could or even if you heated it with a torch it should not crack and the most harm would likely be ruining the temper/hardness. It is possible that grinding away the case hardening on one side allowed uneven stresses to cause the crack but if that's what happened I have to wonder what the quality of the steel is, what make is that revolver and how thin is the area that cracked?

[Chicken Thief]

Take it to your local smith and get him to TIG weld it, and finish what you started.

[Ramar]

Thanks for the replies.

The crack disappeared as I continued to grind deeper. It must have been a flaw in the casting. I was grinding out about 3/8" of the recoil plate where the crack was. All is good and the conversion to cartridge was about a days work including the wet sanding and blueing. Now to go and make some smoke......
Ramar