Ammonia Fuming White Oak

[DTBoss]

Curious thing. I fumed my first piece of white oak the other day. About a cup and a half of 28% ammonia hydroxide for 24 hrs. in an igloo cooler. The thing turned out dark alright! What surprised me was that the tigerstripe figure of the quartersawn oak was now the darkest part of the wood. I thought it would resist the fumes more and thus 'pop' against the darker grain.

Perhaps I fumed it too long? We'll see how it turns out when I get some oil on it.

Thx
Dan

 

[gmakra]

I like it.
So where do you get ammonia hydroxide?

 

[KenOfCary]

I like it.
So where do you get ammonia hydroxide?

Good question - I've always used the 10% Ammonia that Ace Hardware sells as Janitorial Strength. It works but takes longer. Wouldn't mind knowing of a source of 28%.

BTW - the box turned out very nice. I like the look QSWO gets when fumed. It does bring our the grain and ray fleck.

 

[Jeff]

28% Ammonium hydroxide is a saturated solution of ammonia gas in water. It's usually available through chemical suppliers with no special permit required.

This is $26/qt but fuming oak doesn't require a lot, just an ammonia saturated environment like Dan's cooler.

https://www.amazon.com/Ammonium-Hydroxide-High-Purity-1000ml/dp/B009J5NRQQ

https://www.amazon.com/Ammonium-Hyd...1517073213&sr=8-4&keywords=ammonium+hydroxide

 

[DTBoss]

28% Ammonium hydroxide is a saturated solution of ammonia gas in water. It's usually available through chemical suppliers with no special permit required.

This is $26/qt but fuming oak doesn't require a lot, just an ammonia saturated environment like Dan's cooler.

https://www.amazon.com/Ammonium-Hydroxide-High-Purity-1000ml/dp/B009J5NRQQ

https://www.amazon.com/Ammonium-Hyd...1517073213&sr=8-4&keywords=ammonium+hydroxide

Thanks Jeff,
Amazon is indeed where I got it. I think for smaller pieces like this one, I could've used less. I could also pour what remained back into the bottle to use later. Not really an exact science, but I'd strongly recommend a proper respirator, some swim goggles and rubber gloves. The 28% stuff isn't kidding around!

I got this respirator

http://a.co/2qIWsqC

with a set of these

http://a.co/blbEtHi

and it made all the difference.


I'll post again when it's finished!

 

[KenOfCary]

I have a full face respirator with Chlorine / Ammonia rated filters that I use when fuming. You have to protect your eyes and well as sinuses / lungs.

I have built fuming tents / coffins out of 2x2's and plastic sealed with staples and duct tape for larger pieces.