My problem with putting acid on steel is that once it gets going, it
doesnt wanna stop.
I have had really good luck by first sandblasting, then spraying with
salt water- take rock salt, mix a couple tablespoons in with a quart of
water in an old windex spray bottle, and spray it on. The advantage is
the salt doesnt keep rusting the piece away all the way into the next
century.
Something about not using too much tool for the job that appeals to me.