Turning Black Ebony

[Pops92]

Have just been given these nby a friend who's father is having a shed clear out. Looking at the pricing thinking before 1971.
Also was given a fountain pen kit as old again all the bits there so good news.
Having never worked with this wood, is it difficult it looks very hard.

 

[Margo]

I've turned small bits, yes it's quite hard and has a funny smell!
Sharp tools (as always) and respiratory gear.
It looks fab, good luck - can't wait to see a finished product!

 

[Pierre]

Turn at high speed with sharp tools and light cuts because it is very brittle especially if it has been kept dry for many years. And rub the bevel when you cut.

 

[Phil Dart]

Your ebony looks extremely dense - much more so than the stuff that is commercially available nowadays, so if it were mine, I wouldn't bother trying to put a chemical finish onto it at the end. Just sand and buff to a high degree, then perhaps some Microcrystalline or carnauba over the top to keep the fingerprints off. Things like CA or chemical lacquers might look great to start with, but they won't integrate with your ebony and will chip, peel off or develop air pockets between it and the wood quite quickly once the pen is in use.

 

[Curly]

Use caution when drilling it. Sharp bits and frequent clearing of the chips. Stop if the bit gets too warm to touch and let it and the wood cool. Ebony will crack later if it gets hot while working. Nice Gaboon Ebony. Enjoy.

Pete

 

[wm460]

You were lucky to get them.

 

[Penpal]

My history of using Ebony convinced me to veer to African Blackwood if I possibly can for better consistency. Just when you least expect it True Ebony can disintegrate as you cut it ,good quality is the name of this timber to seek out.. I have A full sized one piece Ebony Walking stick waiting my disabilities need in time.

Peter.