Newbie chopping questions

[Meatmaw]

I read the faq and it isn't stated in there.

Basically, having *never* chopped nor seen anyone chop to date, I'm wondering how it gets done when the chance arises.

1) if it's folded to me, do I simply ask the BB and then if he agrees we tell the dealer we're chopping and pull our bets back and throw our cards in, or are there strict manners to follow to not anger the floorroom gods?

2) (in vegas) is it pretty much assumed that you don't need to ask for details on how rakes are taken in order to decide if chopping is a good idea? I vaguely know that some (all?) tables take the rake only if a flop is seen, but do I have to ask? Or any other tips?

Thanks