darkening wood

[Shogun]

Does anyone know the appropriate temperature setting for darkening wood in an oven?

[gilljc]

200C I think that's about 400F? 

[EIEIO]

200C = 392F

Note that combustion of released gases starts at about 450F so you need to keep an eye on it.

[Shogun]

Hey guys, thank you. I tried this this morning but the 1/4 inch piece of red oak I used twisted and bowed. It was also brittle because it broke when I tried to clamp it. I had left it in the oven for an hour and a half to get the dark color I wanted...Was that too long? I'm thinking the wood got too dry and brittle. any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Rapid Roger]

I think you cooked ALL the moisture out of it. You turned a "french fry" into a "potato chip". 

Rog

[Fab4]

Hi Shogun
I say when the fire department shows up at your house your wood should be done along
with a few other things in your house.
Wouldn't a propane torch or something similar to that work better than an oven
I'm not really familiar with the oven process but there has to be a better way
Fab4

French fry into a potato chip.............good one RR

[Merlin]

An hour and half a wee bit to long for 1/4 inch, me wood try for 1 hour but keep an eye on it.
have done 3/4 inch  for 1-1/2 hours with success but the 1/2 inch I tried ended up a crispy critter.

***Merlin***

[gilljc]

I originally found 'recipe' for darkening wood on toymaking plans website, and have used it successfully on pine from 6mm to 25mm, also on sycamore 18mm thick. I have found that it can make the wood brittle, (the up side of that is how beautifully it sands) and can be  bit of a lottery as to whether wood will warp, but usually start with half hour and keep checking as different bits of wood seem to be different, guess its down to moisture content or resin or something.
have also used it on bought wheels, and they darkened up nicely for more realistic look without painting