Front panel material

[tomg]

Lye is just lye....you get it at the grocery/hardware store. Try the
Red Devil brand..... and be careful. This process gives off hydrogen
in large amounts. You may want to experiment with the explosive
properties of this method before committing to a big DIY project.

WARNING! the following is stupid fun with chemistry! If you try
this be sure to protect yourself with face mask, protective gloves 
and clothing!! I am not responsible if you are injured after all I said 
it was stupid!

Use a thick PLASTIC bottle with a small neck. CAUTION a thin
bottle may develop leaks because of the heat. Fill it about 1/2 full of 
water and add a  hand full of lye. Make some narrow strips out of aluminum 
foil and feed them into the bottle. Then quickly stretch a balloon over the 
bottle mouth. 

The balloon will start to fill with hydrogen as the aluminum is desolved.
Take a piece of string and tie off the end. REMOVE IT FROM THE
BOTTLE. Then away from the bottle and YOU. Place the balloon on
the ground. Remember there will be a chemical residue inside. Use at
least a 3 foot stick with a lit match to ignite  the balloon.  If you still
decide to use this method.....be careful. You have been warned!

Tom



> The
> > etching process happens fast and generates heat. If you try it, be very
> careful
> > with the lye. It is nasty, dangerous stuff.
> >
> > Mike Granger


> Just one, err.. two questions what  is the chemical name for lye and
> what concentration is used??
> 
> Cheers, Theo