"the_tool_man" wrote...
By lye, I mean sodium hydroxide.


Part A of a two step wood bleach, such as Klean-Strip brand, is sodium
hydroxide. Part B is Hydrogen Peroxide.

This stuff works great for bleaching walnut, but does not give a uniform
effect on cherry, IMO. Also, the lye component damages the wood fibers.
Lye is also used for making wood pulp for paper, IIRC.

You say this is your first project in cherry - putting lye on it seems like
a pretty drastic step. Most people really like cherry as-is, and it can be
dyed and/or stained for some really nice effects. Also, there is a simple
trick for darkening cherry that doesnt require any harsh chemicals. Just
put your completed but unfinished piece in the sun for a few days. It will
darken up very quickly.




--
Timothy Juvenal
www.rude-tone.com/work.htm