Tiger Maple finishing ?

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I just picked up a couple board feet of really nice stuff from Woodsource.
I read in The Master Bladesmith about a Acid formula that when applied to Maple and then heating the wood will make it turn colors. Suppose to do this by carmelizing the sugar in the Maple.

Has anyone tried this
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?

Here is the formula they give.
1 part hydrocloric acid (Muratic pool acid)
1/2 part Nitric acid
10 parts water
Always add acid to water
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Mix the acids into the water, let it sit for several days.
Finish the wood to 120 grit, apply the mixture.
Let it soak in for a minute, then heat the wood GENTLY. Stop heating the wood when you get the color you are looking for.
Finish sand the wood and apply your prefered finish, Tung oil, Linseed oil or Watco whatever you like.
READ the book for more details!

I am wondering if someone else has had success with this?
 
Bob, i have never tried that exact mixture on maple, but have used straight Muriatic(20% Hydrochloric) and it had little or no effect. The Nitric might be the key ingredient. Muriatic by its self works extremely well on oak, black Walnut, etc. The traditional modern material for getting that 'old timey' color on maple is a stain containing Chromic Acid. when you buy maple stock stain from the muzzleloader supply houses this is what you get usually. Chromic acid works well, but is supposed to be carcinogenic.
 
WOW Sweet blade!
I will try the leather dye and the other stuff then post the results.
Thanks
 
I like the shoe dye or leather dye. Thing is if you get it to dark you can lighten it up by sanding some on the handle.
Heres one not quite as dark.
View


[This message has been edited by TJ Smith (edited 06-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by TJ Smith (edited 06-15-2000).]
 
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