All -- Discussion a few days ago about soaking strips in bathtub (and the stains left behind). I'm currently working on stems for a canoe, and I'm using 2" PVC pipe, with 1 end pluged. Fairly cheap, cut to length needed; plug an end and fill with water. Pine strips (3/16" for inside stem) were ready after 2 days, and I'll test the ash (5 days) this afternoon. I've replaced the water daily, using hot tap water. Seems to be doing okay, and NO STAINS!! -- Greg