Anybody ever turn any Macassar Ebony? I just tried a small vessel. The stuff looks like tortoise shell. It is extremely hard but turns well and takes a fine polish.
Barry
- posted
19 years ago
Macassar Ebony
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- posted
19 years ago
Yep - this is one very fine hardwood with the emphasis on hard. I certainly like it more than gaboon ebony. I have just a few pieces left but will be making some pens out of it.
-Nick
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- posted
19 years ago
Hi Nick,
How does it drill for the pen insert? I've been thinking of trying a few ebony pens.
Tom
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- posted
19 years ago
Barry,
I've used it both in faceplate orientation and in segmented pieces. Either way it is wonderful stuff. As pricy as it is I'd never buy sight unseen, but when I find a piece I like I don't hesitate.
Larry
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- posted
19 years ago
Hello. It will drill well with a brad point drill bit. Do it in small segments to keep it from over heating and you'll be fine.
-Nick
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- posted
19 years ago
I made a lid and finial for the bowl/box/vessel (I'm not quite sure which it is) from Gaboon Ebony. They complement each other quite nicely. The Macassar seems much harder than the Gaboon. I have one more 4" X 4" X 2" blank. I wish I had some more of this stuff. because it is beautiful.
Barry
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- posted
19 years ago
Get yourself a parabolic drill bit. McMaster-Carr has them and they will drill anything. I have used them with ease on Ironwood, Ebony and Purpleheart. They will drill softer blanks without having to pull out (I hate pulling out). Well worth the money. The claim is that they are perfect for composites and stabilized blanks but I haven't used them for that. Hope this helps, Keith