In Hawaii we follow our Demi God turner Ron Kent style of NIP turning. Starts by letting the NIP get spalted. Very easy to do here, just leave out in the yard. Check often... I usually cut the end to see the spalted lines. Problem is, if you bring lets say 3 truckloads of NIP, it all starts spalting at the same time. If you dont turn it all, its a fine line between spalting and punky rotten. Ron used to soak his in some kind of antifreeze solution, to make it easier to turn. SO, its super wet!! He used turn in shorts and slippers... Then the soaking begins... Takes up to 3 months to get the perfect color... I used Danish oil, in a 5 gallon bucket. Some turners use a giant cooking pot, looks like a 50 gallon drum, almost, but shorter. Some make they own recipe of oils and other ingredients... Yes, thats I why I prefer Koa , Milo, Kou and other local woods... Lol. Its also an art to orient the knots... They can make or break a piece. Too high doesn't look good. Too low either. Centered splits the piece in 2... Have to play around with them... Good luck!