Scottissery

After making this instructable I went back and found one that does exactly that. I bet the steel wool converts fast. I also found a reference that it is the tannins in the wood that make the wood stain to black, so that explains why I get varied results on different woods. I just put some objects with known tannin (squirrels will have to skip a meal) in the jar along with the nails to see if that can make all wood turn that deep black. If it works, I'll have to make another instructable and detail it.

Sorry about the late reply. I'm still learning how to see if there are comments. I agree, the key is getting the acid to break down the iron so filings would definitely work faster than whole nails.

Just bought my daughter a one strap shoulder bag like that and now wish I had seen your instructable before the holidays. Kudos. I put this on my to-do list, and will link to it when I make one.

I use it just for look. After it dries I always put down a sealer of some sort. For small projects I use the burnishing compound that came with the dremel or buff in a light coat of coconut oil. When making furniture with this stain I use polyurethane to protect.

Thank you. It's very easy to make and use. Because it is just household vinegar I never worry about getting it on my hands or strong fumes.

I have also used vinegar without the rust to age some projects. It just makes the surface a bit lighter and kind of distressed looking.

Behind the knife is just wood paneling that our garage is finished in. It looks nice until the plys start to peel away from each other.