Actually doing some stripping over the last week, but made a gross error on strip color (I'm sure there're many more). 3days work, 2days or more to recover. Was kicking myself wondering what I could have done this time and the other when buying some more wood after having converted 50% or more to sawdust.( As much a building tip as a design one so that's why not on the design bbs). The really competent people are way past this but for morons like me, this would have greatly eased the difficulties.

So the tool - make up a 'materials board'. Say a pc of 1/8 doorskin at 8 1/2x11in. Then quickly glue representative strips of the 'field' range that you are using, interspersed w/ whatever decorative color strips you have. Strip right to the edge and sand off.Say you have 10 to 20 little strips on it. Quick, easy, while watching the set! Cut a 1x3 handhold or hanghole in the top and hang it up somewhere or put on the bookshelf (fits w/ the old sea kayaker mags).

So whenever you go to the woodstore or the woodpile - take it w/ you to be certain of the colour and grain characteristics.Hold the edge right up to the wood in question. And if you sell yaks, and your old customer 'big Al' wants another just like it or just NOT like it, you'll be able to check what he's actually talking about.

Another bitter lesson so far - sand it down every now and again - oxidization or something causes color change over time.

-mick