Hobby Welder MIG on 1/16" steel question?

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I am a hobby welder and have a Lincoln 100HD.  I have a pistol frame that has words stamped into it.  It says "Made by Norinco China".  It's a 1/16" thick. For cosmetic purposes, I would like to cover this some way.  Do you guys think I could weld a small bead down this line of words then file it smooth?  Once I'm all done, I will put a parkerize finish on the gun.  I appreciate any ideas you all may have.  Thanks, Larry.
Reply:It is NOT a good idea to 'deface or alter' markings on a firearm.  Nope, not at all.I don't know if the name of the manufacturer is part of the 'critical' markings, like the serial number is.  You'd have to check on that.  Because if the name/model/manufacturer -is- in the same legal-requirements level as the serial number, then absolutely DO NOT even think of altering or changing or defacing those required markings.  The feds have no sense humor or leeway about things like that.Next, do you -know- what material it is even made of?  Or the heat tratment, if any, that was done to the frame?  Could you ensure that you don't cause any heat-induced dimensional change, or can you remachine any and all critical dimensions that do change?  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Thanks, MoonRise, the part is not heat treated.  It is would not cause any heat induced dimensional changes.  I checked and the maker's name is not required to be on the frame.  The name is on the slide along with the model, this I will not change.  You can buy frames that have nothing on them but the serial number.  You cannot, of course, deface this number.  Many custom made pistols are made from many different manufacturer’s products.  I'm completely rebuilding this firearm so it will no longer be a stock Norinco.  The frame is mild steel.Last edited by LarryE44; 07-28-2008 at 04:21 PM.
Reply:I wouldn't weld on one side of a slide for anything.  It'll warp.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thats called "FRAUD"If it is alowable,  then i would just buy the frame without that.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 07-28-2008 at 06:37 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:You sure it's mild steel and not a low alloy mildly heat-treated frame?  Because even a mildly 'hard' steel at Rc 22-28 or so is LOTS harder than mild steel at BHN ~100.If, and I stress IF, the markings are not required, and the material/heat-treatment/dimensions are no problem, go ahead and make a few passes across the 'cosmetically undesirable' markings.  File/grind smooth and polish as needed.  I'd suggest GTAW aka TIG for its finer control, but 1/16 inch steel is MIG-able.  And I would suggest MIG (GMAW) and not fluxcore, just for the better 'cleanness' of the weld.  C-25 gas, probably not plain CO2, again for the 'cleanness' (less spatter).You probably out to check the compatibility of any bluing or finish with the base metal and the weld bead -before- you attempt the actual piece.  Make a test piece, weld that, grind and polish, and attempt the finish to make sure it 'takes' and takes evenly to base material and weld.Oh, and watch out if the 'plain' steel is a free-machining mix (which would no longer be a "plain" steel then).  Lead, sulphur, phosphorus, etc all mess up weldability to varying but almost always appreciable and detrimental degrees.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Thanks, everyone for the responses.  Thanks MoonRise for all the information.  It was just a thought.  Since I don't know if it is an alloy or not, I think I'll just leave it like it is.  This is a great forum, loads of information.  Since I'm new to welding and just a hobbyist, I better stick to what I can do (which isn't a lot).  Thanks again.  Larry
Reply:It's ok if you don't mind taking a chance on it blowing up in your face. I once saw a guy load up a muzzle loading pistol with smokeless powder against the advice of all present. I doubt he will ever do it again. The gun was junk after and he no longer has the same facial features. I would also check with law enforcement because I am pretty sure it is illegal to remove or alter any markings on a firearm.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.