For a variety of reasons, life has kept me away from my lathe for over eight months and I ain't happy about that.
But, I'll be getting back soon and with some new ideas. I have done a lot of stabilizing but mostly for pens. My new venture will include stabilizing my calls. But, unlike what I see here, it seems most guys stable before turning. I think that is a backassward approach for a couple reasons. One, it wastes solution and, two, it may not penetrate completely on a large blank. I plant to turn then stable. If necessary it will go back on the lathe for polishing.
I see a lot of references to Cactus Juice and other commercial stable solutions. I make my own, which I think is better, for about 25% the cost of the commercial stuff. I'm not saying what my secret stuff is but anyone can research and create their own.
And, finally, I see setups using an acrylic lid on the vacuum pot. Puzzling.
Most, or all, stable solutions contain a lot of solvent and that will lead to eventual failure of the lid. I can't see my stabilizing at work but instead go outside and watch grass grow for excitement.
Each to his own. Just do it.