I'ld like to find a block of ebony for a tip and cap that has nice grain. Richard came back from africa, with a carved hippo, that is the BEST looking ebony -grain and "swirl" or as ray calls it, cake- that I've seen.

Who got?
jeffe

I bought a 5lb bag of Gaboon Ebony from my local Woodcraft store for $25. It has enough forend tip material for several rifles. You could mail order it direct from them if you don't have a local store to check it out. Brownells also sells blocks of it perfect for forend tips but it comes out a little more expensive......DJ

I get mine from Eisenbrand.
http://www.eisenbran.com/

I got some from Boyds Gunstocks

Jeffe,

You tried Houston Hardwoods, when I was making knives they had all kinds of woods, including ebony.

Cook woods has both total black and striped if you wish.

Two cautions...the stuff must be kept sealed at all times or it will split/crack and the stuff is very bad on the lungs. Do the sanding outside and up wind using a mask

Eisenbrand, I got some from Isenbrand it was not cured. It shrunk and shrunk an shrunk .... unfortunately that was after I installed it on a stock. Then it spit inside the barrel channel. It was cut off.

Do not seal it on the sides. It has to dry just like any other wood. Leave the ends sealed until it is done.

I bought a nice chunk, 2 x 2 x 10 from Jim Preslik at the Reno show last January. I think I paid $20 for it and it is as nice as can be. Call him, He is listed in most rifle mags.

Jim

Jim,
pm sent
j

Try Ebay. You'll find it there from time to time.

While we are on the topic, anyone know who might have horn suitable for a fore end on a little British style sporter?

Try this place. You can buy small pieces or the entire horn.

Horn Supplier