> (Suggestions for common sources of lye would be appreciated, also.)
Drano is lye with aluminum chips that can be removed with some ease.
Red Devil also makes a similar product.
There are two things generally regreed to as lye.
Sodium hydroxoide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Sodium Hydroxide is what you are looking for.
Lye should be available in some form, drain cleaner or some other
specific purpose labled package.
Remmeber Lye is exothermic and will react violently when water is
added to it. add it to water slowly.
Here is a little more on the difference between exothermic and
endothermic. Very interesting read for all.
http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/gez_ihee.htmDave