In article ,
"Mike S." wrote:

I saw David Marks the other evening and he
was fuming some white oak with amonia and he said to use Aqua Amonia 26%. I
called several print shops and newspaper and they said they don't use it any
more. I called a blueprinting service and the woman didn't know much but she
said they have #1 amonia 26%. Is that the same thing? I plan on building a
plate rack for SWMBO and was wanting to try fuming the wood.

Yep, likely the same thing: Aqueous Ammonia. I got mine at a blueprint
supply. I only bought a gallon and it's lasted several years now. After
the fuming process you can pour any remaining ammonia back into the
container to conserve the stuff.

Be careful when working with it. Wear eye protection and only do it in
an area that, should a spill occur, you and others can evacuate the area
quickly and also ventilate it quickly. Secure all kids and pets out of
the area before uncapping the ammonia. It's nasty stuff - the vapors
when pouring it out and placing the fuming dishes will make you feel
*every* nick and scratch on your body in very short order.

Don't let the warnings scare you away from trying it tho - just use
common sense, eye protection and prepare for accidental spills. Fuming
white oak and cherry is one of my favorite techniques.

--
Owen Lowe and his Fly-by-Night Copper Company
____

The problem in this country is that the bar is constantly being lowered;
we then cheer clearing the bar as a great accomplishment and achievment.