My grandpa had ninety-three hand planes, each with its own worn-thin story.

But does ammonia really break it down that fast? I've used similar stuff and my tint's fine. How often does this actually happen?

What changed your mind about that kind of work? Was it a specific moment, or just getting older? @the_hugo hit it right about that quiet satisfaction. It's not something you can really explain to someone who hasn't felt it. The proof is in the work itself, in the straight line or the solid feel of something done right. Makes you wonder what else we're quick to write off before we actually try it.