Thank you Gunman, that's the problem I have with the one I'm finishing at the mo, there's a patch which is still soaking the oil up while the rest is getting there. I've learned to be patient and that trying to rush usually results in a step back so will keep at it until it's right. This particular stock and fore end were full of gun oil, it was surprising how long it took to clean up, it was covered in whiting and left in my car on warm days over and over before the oil stopped seeping out. I gave it a careful rub with weak oxalic acid solution where the worst staining was and then it was thoroughly rinsed off several times before flatting off. The colour and figure is quite even now.
It's good to hear you're a trade secrets fan too. It seems to do the job well. As you say, every piece of wood is different but it's satisfying when it all comes together and you have a nice finish.
