Macassar Ebony - Stabilizing?

Sean O'Hare

Sean O'Hare

Joined
Jul 24, 2003
Messages
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I apologize if this isn't the right forum for this but....

I would like to know if Macassar Ebony can be stabilized? I know it's already pretty hard but if it is possible to stabilize I would still like to have it done.

I bought four sets of scales at a show a couple of weeks back, looks like nice wood. Anyone use it much?

Thanks for your help.

Sean
 
Yes, it can be stabilized. Now, how far into the wood the stabilizing agent soaks, is another question altogether. It would be worth it, IMHO.
 
Thanks Danbo, I'll send some out to try.

I also might try that home stabilization method with minwax that was posted some time ago.

Thanks,
Sean
 
I bought a piece of stabalized ebony a few years back. As far as I could tell it didn't seem to have done much of anything to it. I think you could get as much good from a type of sealer and just save your money.
 
Can anyone point me to information on techniques for stabilizing wood in the home workshop?

Thanks
 
Macassar ebony is so dense and oily that I don't think stabilizing would do much more than a good wood finish would. I don't use it much but when I have I just used Danish oil for the finish. You could also seal it and fill the pores with superglue, which is what I'm doing more all the time. Superglue polishes beautifully. That stuff puts off a nasty vabor though!
 
Macassar ebony can be stabilized if the cross section is .375" or less. Mile Ludeman at WSSI said if the wood is thicker the stabilant will not penetrate completely. We cut open several ebony scales after returning from WSSI and they were completely stabilized.

ddavelarsen,

I agree the superglue finish is very nice. Scott Slobodian uses super glue on his knife & sword handles and wood sheaths. Scott is the reason we carry superglue in our inventory.

There is an odorless superglue available. I have used it at my desk in the house with my wife in the next room and she never said a word. She usually can smell the fumes when she get out of her car in the driveway and I'm in the garage with the door closed. The fumes from the odorless glue also do not burn your eyes. It also does not turn white when sprayed with an accellerant. The drawback is cost. It costs 3 times more than regular superglue.
 
Thanks Chuck, I will have to check the thickness. The ones I've got I think are thicker than what you said. I'm gonna try the stabilizing and see what it actually does.

Dave ya that superglue is deadly stuff! I use it occassionally, definitely a wear my respirator kinda thing.

Thanks again everyone.

Sean
 
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