Fuming maple

[Dennis Daigger]

I just finished fuming a cherry stock in a tent tripod that used three maple slats that too were exposed to the ammonia gas. I was surprised to see that the maple also was affected and the slats are a nice sandy tan color indicating some presence of natural tannins in the wood.

Is this ever done intentionally to color maple where a lighter color is wanted?
Dennis

[44-henry]

It is the tannins in the wood that make it respond to the fumes. Cherry has a fair amount and can respond well. Maple doesn't really have enough to respond very well. I have never fumed a stock, but have done a lot of furniture over the years mostly using white oak, but have messed around with some other species including maple from time to time.

[Waksupi]

If you give a light colored stock a wash of tea first, the ammonia will work better. The tea adds tannin.

I've fumed a couple fiddles over the years. The best colors take a long time to develop, that only time can do.