On 29 Jun 2006 08:52:38 -0700, "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.


You can buy sodium hydroxide at a chemical supply house. It is
inexpensive and can be purchased as pellets or flakes. It is very
caustic, will dissolve flesh, can cause blindness if you get it into
your eyes, and hydrophilic. It mixes well with water. Wear
protective clothing, rubber gloves, and keep out of reach of children.