COME ON IN! Tour of the Ordnance.com Restoration Shop #military #history #antique #restoration

Published on March 8, 2026
Duration: 31:15

This video provides an in-depth tour of the Ordnance.com restoration shop, detailing the comprehensive process of bringing antique and military firearms and components back to life. It covers essential stages from initial disassembly and abrasive blasting to bodywork, painting, polishing, and final assembly. The shop utilizes specialized equipment like sandblasting cabinets, CNC water jets, and a paint booth, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail for museum-quality results.

Quick Summary

Ordnance.com restores antique and military firearms using a multi-stage process including abrasive blasting with Black Beauty or MB1, bodywork, precise taping for painting, metal polishing, and CNC water jet cutting for components. Restored items are demilitarized for display purposes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Ordnance.com Restoration Shop
  2. 00:38Sandblasting Cabinets and Media (Black Beauty, MB1)
  3. 01:11Sandblasting Process and Equipment
  4. 03:36Dust Collection and Ventilation System
  5. 04:46Body Shop: Taping and Filler Work
  6. 05:04Restoring Soviet GSH23 Autocannon
  7. 05:52Restoring German MK108 Autocannons
  8. 07:05US Navy WWII 3.5-inch Aircraft Rocket
  9. 08:04Demilled 106mm Recoilless Rifle (M40)
  10. 08:24German 88mm Artillery and Tank Gun Components
  11. 10:01M60 Tank Barrel Cutaway and M68 Gun
  12. 10:51M47 Patton Tank 90mm Breach
  13. 11:12Tear Down and Restoration of M57 Mortar Bipod
  14. 12:02Restored MG131 Top Covers
  15. 12:21Soviet GSH23 Autocannon Top Assembly
  16. 12:56Soviet NR23 Autocannon Top Cover
  17. 13:38Restoring Sights (Spider Sight, Quad 50 Mount Sights)
  18. 14:06Yugoslavian Quad 50 Anti-Aircraft Gun Mount Restoration
  19. 15:11Quad 50 Mount Components (Rims, Tires, Outriggers)
  20. 16:27Polishing Station for Brass and Copper
  21. 17:38Polishing Process and Lacquer Coating
  22. 17:5437mm WWI Infantry/Tank Gun
  23. 18:45German GRW 34 8cm Mortar Restoration
  24. 19:46Soviet NR23 Autocannon
  25. 20:03122mm Grad Rocket System Components
  26. 20:52Paint Booth and Mix Room
  27. 21:26Painting Soviet GSH23 Autocannon
  28. 22:15Demilled 106mm Recoilless Rifles (M40)
  29. 22:51Fabrication Shop Overview
  30. 23:21Rebuilding Oerlikon Mark V 20mm Autocannon
  31. 24:36Transferable Registered Oerlikon Mark V 20mm Machine Gun
  32. 25:20Machine Shop: Manual and CNC Machining
  33. 25:26Restored M270 MLRS and Falcon Missile Display
  34. 26:17CNC Water Jet Cutting
  35. 28:26Water Jet Cut Components (Rocket Fins)
  36. 29:16AT4 Fin Cutting
  37. 30:05Conclusion and Website Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What abrasive media does Ordnance.com use for sandblasting?

Ordnance.com primarily uses 'Black Beauty' for general metal blasting to remove rust and old finishes. For softer, non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and brass, they use MB1, a plastic-based abrasive, to prevent damage.

How does Ordnance.com ensure dust control in their blasting room?

The restoration shop utilizes a large 8-foot diameter fan that moves approximately 35,000 to 40,000 CFM. This powerful ventilation system effectively carries fine dust particles out of the room, maintaining a cleaner working environment.

What is the process for polishing brass and copper parts?

The polishing process at Ordnance.com involves first using a Scotch-Brite pad on a wheel to remove oxidation and create a matte finish. This is followed by using polishing compounds like rouge on another wheel to achieve a highly reflective, lustrous shine.

What is the function of the CNC water jet at Ordnance.com?

The CNC water jet is used for precise cutting of various materials, including metal. It uses high-pressure water mixed with industrial garnet abrasive to cut intricate shapes for display pieces, rocket fins, and other components.

Are the firearms restored by Ordnance.com functional?

No, the firearms restored by Ordnance.com are primarily for display purposes and are demilitarized to meet ATF specifications, meaning they are rendered completely inoperable. The focus is on cosmetic restoration to museum-quality standards.

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