Chromium trioxide

[David Keller]

Just read the article in the 2009 library about the one piece cigar pen and noticed a picture of a curly maple pen treated with chromium trioxide. I've ordered some and have no idea how to use it.

Anyone with experience, tips, suggestions regarding the process?

 

[HawksFeather]

There are several different strengths and it will make a difference. It also makes a difference the type and amount of heat that is used. Some will go to total black and you need to sand off the top layer, others will go to deep brown and change when heat is applied. The other thing that will affect it is the hardness of the wood - since there are soft and hard wood curly the best advice I can give you is to try it on some scrap pieces (or the blank just after knocking off the corners and before you get it to the size for the pen) and see what it does.

I realize that this is not giving you the answer that you are looking for, but it really does vary. One final thing, wear rubber gloves.

Jerry

 

[knowltoh]

Be sure to read the MSDS on it.


http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c4400.htm

 

[Larry in Harrow]

You guys ever watch the movie Erin Brockovitch? What's wrong with analine dyes? Chromium compounds are nothing to be playing with.

 

[jleiwig]

After reading that MSDS I don't think I would come near it with a 12 foot pole and a biohazard containment suit on.

 

[Larry in Harrow]

Please, if you finish with this stuff include a warning to your customer that the pen is loaded with heavy metal and young children should not be allowed to handle the pen.
Your solutions and the pen must be disposed of as toxic chemicals.

 

[David Keller]

Thanks for the input... Sounds scary.

Any suggestions for curly maple finishing that give that same rich, deep brown color?

 

[Larry in Harrow]

Hi David,
I didn't mean to stomp on you but if you haven't handled nasty chemicals there is a much better way.
The affect your looking for can be done with wood dyes. Curly maple responds very well. Do not sand too fine, it changes how well the wood absorbs the dye, somewhere around 320 would be the finest. Dye the blank dark brown, think dark walnut or burnt umber. Sand most of that off then redye with the colour you want. The dark dye will enhance the curl.
Sorry I don't know any American suppliers but if you check out Woodessence online and go to the dye section it will give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Some woodworking suppliers sell analine dyes that you can disolved n water or alcohol, probably Woodcraft.
As an example, I make a cool Tiger Strip by first dying the curly maple bright green. Sand until only the deep part of the maple is still green then dye the blank orange. Orange and green make dark brown. I end up with a barrel that is tiger orange with dark brown stripes.
Lots of fun can be had with this material and no hazardous waste. Hope this helps and good luck.