Leaching Oil

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

For the sake of clarity I thought it would help to explain this step of our refinishing process.
Gunstock wood is dried prior to machining. The drying process removes the water from the wood at a cellular level. The lack of water "moisture" makes the wood stable and hardened. Dried wood is like a sponge, it readily absorbs moisture. The inside of a stock head is not usually totally sealed. Years of exposure to animal based lubricants absorb or "wick" oil into the dried wood.
As the oil degrades it turns the wood black. Like a wet cardboard box the cells collapse and weaken, turning the wood "punky".
The process that we use is refered to as "leaching". This is a multi step process utilizing several very nasty chemicals and specialized equipment.
One of the steps, the one Mark refered to as "boiling in acid" Is a superheated solution of a buffered organic Carboxly compound. This compound is a purifying and precipitating agent. It litterally draws out and neutralizes any existing oil. When the wood is removed from the solution it is completely dry and free of oil. At this point the wood is neutralized, degreased and stabilized to a desired moisture content.
Unlike "salt cured wood", no residual chemicals are left in the wood.
The process reverses shrinkage, raises dents and removes dark spots. The cellular structure of the wood expands to its original state and properties. Refinishing is like working with a new piece of wood.
I learned this basic process from a retired German cabinetmaker. This process, if not done correctly will virtually destroy the wood. Been there, done that.

Brad