If you can get ahold of nitric acid, take a few ounces and start dropping wads of steel wool into it, letting the wool disolve completely before adding the next wad. When you reach the point that another wad produces no visible reaction with the acid, you've got aquafortis that some people (not me) can apply to a stock without gloves.
I believe it's mainly applicable to curly maple, brings out the stripes quite well.
Be sure to boil the steel wool in water and dry thoroughly first. It should remove any soap or rust preventative that's on the fibers.
Pete
