Ebony questions

D

deker

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
3,496
So, I had a coworker ask me about using ebony for a handle. I know that I hear all the time that ebony WILL crack and warp, just give it time. How true is this? Also, will stabilization fix the issue? I really like the look of Gabon Ebony, and I enjoy working it, but I don't want to make anything that will serve to cause me problems down the road.

-d
 
I have no firsthand experience with ebony yet, I have 2 pieces of Gabon stabilized from AKS and a block of dry Macassar, but others have suggested blackwood as a substitute. Supposedly it is a whole bunch more user friendly than ebony.
 
Just my opinon, but stay away from the ebony and use African blackwood, its a lot more stable.

Bill
 
Use blackwood. Ebony must be stroed for many years to let it stabilize internal stress, and then it still can crack and craze. Polish and buff with no heat buildup!
 
I use ebony all the time. I got hooked on it while working on pool cues. It has a heft that I like, and can use to fine tune a swing weight.

However, I do let it rest for a year, and then I pull a vacuum with a wood stabilizer before I use it. I then cut it close to finish size, and let it rest for 3 more months.

It's a beautiful wood, and very pleasant in the hand. Lately, I've been experimenting with it as inlays to overcome it's hardness and expense. I use a router to cut it, and use acetone to clear out the oils before glue up.

When weight isn't a problem, or the cost, I suggest to try it out on a few pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised at the love it shows........
 
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