the_tool_man wrote:
Hi all:

I'm gearing up for my first major project with cherry. An associate of
mine recommended using a lye solution to darken the wood. After some
research, I'd like to try it. However, I've found that Red Devil lye
is no longer sold locally. I've found a few leads through candlemaking
websites, but they require me to purchase 30lb of the stuff. I just
want a little to experiment with. Are there any other brands to look
for? My local searches have yeilded nothing that is pure sodium
hydroxide, and I'm reluctant to use anything that has "other stuff" in
it. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John.

Here are some sources for smaller quantities.

http://www.chemistrystore.com/Sodium_Hydroxide.htm

http://www.sciencelab.com/search.php?q=sodium+hydroxide

http://www.sciencestuff.com/prod/Chem-Rgnts/C2582