Subject: Tips on working with Ebony

From: [email-masked] (AandRLEE)
Date: 9 Feb 1997 09:25:18 GMT

I am interested in any info related to working with Ebony. I am
considering using the wood for a small box but I am a bit worried about
the reliability of the wood/glue joints. I would like to think that this
box will be around for my grandchildren so I would like to do my best to
minimize any risk of checking or cracking. Also, Any finishing tips would
also be immensely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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From: [email-masked] (John Paquay)
Date: 10 Feb 1997 17:11:59 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] says...
>also be immensely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Ebony is one of the most stable woods on the face of the earth (thus
it's status as the wood of choice for stringed instrument fingerboards and
bridges...).  I'm not sure if I've ever seen a piece check or crack of its own
accord... It's also extremely hard, dense, and takes a high polish
by burnishing, so oil finishes work extremely well with it.  There are
several species of woods sold as ebony, with different oil contents, and
while aliphatic resin glues generally work well, epoxies are pretty much
a sure thing.

-- 
John Paquay
[email-masked],  [email-masked]
http://www.physics.purdue.edu/~jep/
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Without my wings you know I'd surely die...