Ferric Nitrate - For the First Time

[JCurtiss]

I have decided to "stain" my stock using ferric nitrate.  Are there any unforeseeable pitfalls in the process that I should be aware of?

Also, I don't have a heat gun, but have access to a hair drier. Will this work, or should I purchase a heat gun?

Thanks!

Jason

[jerrywh]

 I don't think a hair drier is hot enough. You could use a propane torch. Just don't burn the wood.

[JCurtiss]

I don't think a hair drier is hot enough. You could use a propane torch. Just don't burn the wood.

Thanks for the feedback; I just hate to buy a heat gun when chances are good that it will be rarely used.

[Eric Krewson]

You can get one with a coupon from Harbor Freight for $9.

[Mark Elliott]

The heat gun is safer than a propane torch for raising grain and turning AF.    I use my heat gun all the time, mostly for getting off stuck lids.    It is one of the tools I leave sitting out.   I also use it to raise dents, and I use it for whiskering.  You need to whisker your stock AT LEAST three times before you apply the stain.   A heat gun is something that gets used a lot in a gun makers shop.   Not only do I think you should buy one,  I think you should buy a good one.   

[JCurtiss]

 A heat gun is something that gets used a lot in a gun makers shop.   Not only do I think you should buy one,  I think you should buy a good one.   

Ok boss, will do!

[KLMoors]

I didn't have a heat gun for ages.  Now that I have one I use it all the time.

[Dennis Glazener]

but have access to a hair drier.

Yes they will work if you are patient enough and get it close enough to the wood. BUT, you might do like I did, burnt the thing up but thankfully I had about finished. My wife was not a happy camper!
Dennis

[mikeyfirelock]

you will use the heat gun a lot more than you think.  they are really handy, and good for a lot of things where you would not like to use an open flame.  ( if you get a good one, you can even bond the cores to the jackets in home made bullets)

[Eric Krewson]

I have been using one for about 20 years, I broke two by knocking them off my work bench onto the concrete floor and one by holding right up against a piece of osage, the heat had no where to go and it burned up.

After burning myself multiple times and breaking several from leaving them on my workbench, I made a holster for mine on the end of my bench where I use it the most.

[WKevinD]

Nice idea Eric, I'm always looking for a spot to put mine other than the "hang up" loop on the back. Every time I put mine away, I end up digging it out.

[longcruise]

I use the element on the electric stove.  Sure you could also do it over a gas stove too.

My son in law has one of the HF cheapo heat guns and that works too.

[FALout]

To me, doing it over the stove top, you can't see what's happening.  Heat gun works the best.

[frogwalking]

Don't put your heat gun where your wife normally keeps the hair dryer.

[Willbarq]

I have been using one for about 20 years, I broke two by knocking them off my work bench onto the concrete floor and one by holding right up against a piece of osage, the heat had no where to go and it burned up.

After burning myself multiple times and breaking several from leaving them on my workbench, I made a holster for mine on the end of my bench where I use it the most.

Hot elements do not withstand a shock well. Ask my neighbor who burned up 3 clothes dryers before he had me replace the element . sunflower seeds

[Willbarq]

Don't put your heat gun where your wife normally keeps the hair dryer.

good advice.