I have always used Jerrows from Brownells as a little lasted me a long time. The last time I made an order, they were out of stock. I was thinking about mixing some vaseline with some of the black die that comes in the acraglass kits. Anyone have a better solution? Vaseline, being petro based might be a problem? What are my alternatives? Thanks, Lee.

You could use soot from an oil lamp. I use Vaseline mixed with black artist's oil color, 50:50. If you are working on a dark stock use yellow ocher. Never had an issue with it. Cleans up fine with naptha when done.

the petroleum jelly will stain the wood and prevent even finish - the DYE will DYE the wood, not wipe off....

carbon black isn't hard to make .... just saying

I used Jerrows inletting black for many years.

Then Clayton Nelson showed me how well ordinary prussian blue from the auto parts store worked. You apply it with a fine bristle tooth brush, which enables you to apply it in a very thin layer. It shows up well and is easily removed. A tube will last a long time.

David Miller and Curt Crum use it too.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/377/1

I but it from TOTW online...nice people and you can look at the pretty pictures of the handmade guns for sale too...

Thanks for the replies, somewhere in the shop I have a tube of prussian blue, but at least I have another source for jerrows now!

I've added carbon black to Prussian blue to make it darker.

Black Blues matter.

I washed my hands ten times today and you know why.
I always have used the inletting black.
But early on I used soot; works well but soots up your shop and is show.

I have used a Zippo lighter for years. Just fill it up with lighter fuel and you have a ready to work tool anytime you need the marking. Carbon black is very good if used without oil. It can be closed and the carbon black stopped.

I used greasy stuff and soot for many years. I recently found out about using a big fat black marker. Much-much better. It only transfers on the really tight spots. That avoids false transfers. It also does not make a mess. My inletting quality got much better.

Ive even used the wifes libstick in a pinch, rub it thin with your fingers, its dangerous to use however, she can get pretty scary when she finds sawdust in her lipstick...

Ive never had a problem with dye or vasline or anything staining wood if applied ever so lightly as you cut out of the stuff left inside stock..I wouldn't want it on the outside for sure..and I wouldn't leave it overnight.

Towards the end of an inletting job you can use carbon paper rubbed on the metal for the last final touches..

Mostly I use Jarrows inletting black from Brownells, they have always had it when I needed it, knock on wood..a small jar lasts me for years..

I agee soot is a mess..What ever one uses should be put on and wiped off so it only has a micro thin veneer of inletting goop on it.