[TheForge] Pickling solutions

[Andrew Vida]

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 05:17:17 -0700, Robert B. Miller 
<hussar at antiqueswords.com> wrote:

> Hello:
> What is the best solution for pickling? I'm thinking perhaps 10% 
> muriatic acid and water? How long of a duration?

	Actually, vinegar gives the most control.  It is VERY slow, may take a 
week or more, but if the scale is light, perhaps but a few days only.  If 
you're not in a hurry, I would recommend this method as you will not have 
to worry about finding a burnt nubbin left if you forget about it for an 
hour.  HCL is pretty tough stuff.  Also, the fumes get ALL OVER THE SHOP 
and will wreck your tools, so if you use it, make sure you are outside.  
Even then you have to be careful not to let the fumes wend their way into 
the shop, and trust me on this one, they will.  Nothing will give you a 
heart attack like finding your $50K instrument makers lathe patinating 
before your very eyes.  The acid was outside and the basement window 
wasn't quite solidly closed.  Oy.