I've read that people will use Minwax hardener heated to almost boiling in a canning jar, then seal it and let it cool to create a light vacuum which will draw the hardener into the wood.

I would like to stabilize some 1/8" thick by 3" wide x 6" wide lengths of exotic woods which I'll be using to create scales. I am wondering if vacuum penetration and/or microwaving might be useful to really soak the stabilizer in, or if I should just soak them in water, then Pentacryl at room temperature. The pieces are fairly dry, having come from a thin stock exotic assortment rack at a woodworking supply store. Any help or advice you could give me would be truly appreciated.

- John

The tutorial I am referencing can be found here. I got it from Bill Ellis' CD. Bill, come back, some of miss you...