Anyone have a source of reasonably priced Gaboon ebony (the blackest variety of ebony) in blocks of about 2x2x3" or longer? I've been searching the woodturning sites and other wood suppliers without luck. One can find the Macassar variety with red/brown streaks but I'm after the pure black. Appreciate any feedback. Also if anyone has other ideas for forearm tips (I've heard of hard black plastic blocks or black micarta but not traditional) I'd be greatful.
Thanks in advance
Paul

Brownell's has them

www.cookwoods.com



2x2x12 $35-$39, depending on the amount of brown streaking. The last stick I bought from Cook was very hard, pure black, did not shrink or crack in any way. Very satisfied.

Paul,

I've used Woodcraft for many projects. The ebony I have bought from them is in a 2x2x12 block. Will make 4-5 rifle tips.

Here's the link

woodcraft ebony link

Chic,
I talked with jim 2 weeks ago.. not a toothpick of ebony in the shop.

however (grumblegrumblegrumblegrumble) RMF has it...

and, damn it all, it looks good...

I wonder if some carbon black rubbed in, would work?

jeffe

Paul, the last ebony I got was from Jim Preslik. I do not have a phone # for Jim. It was $20 for a 6" stick and I bought 3 of them. I had previously bought 40 inches from Eisenbrand and I used some on a forend tip and it was not fully cured. It shrunk after I got it finished. I was not real happy as you can imagine. It was also not totally black and had some faint brown marks. From what I understnad it will be harder to find very black ebony. The Presliks ebony was over 15 years old, according to Jim. I have installed two fore end tips using it, working fine.

I have heard you can expect to pay $4 an inch for good Gaboon ebony.

anyone ever see mexican or texas ebony?

it's the same color as the impala SS 'blackcherry'... has red/purple rather than brown... of course, the biggest piece i've seen would make good 45 grips... mebbe even ruger grips

jeffe

I get my Ebony from a local lumber company a little north of here. They stock hardwoods from all over the world. Almquist Lumber, Blue lake Ca. 707 668 5652. Don't know if they ship, but it might be worth a call. If they don't and it's really that hard to come by in your area, send me a PM and maybe I can be of assistance.

Gentlemen,

If you would do me the honor of answering a question which stems from a very bad experience with rosewood. Could you characterise the "oilyness" of ebony compared to rosewood? I am thinking this (ebony) could be an alternative?

Thank You.

pdhntr (10 days, 14 hours, 34 minutes)

There's a company in Anaheim, California named Austin Hardware and Hardwood that carries exotic woods in plank sizes . . . ebony included. Do the AT&T 411 thing and giv'em a jingle.

Try Gilmer Wood out of Portland. I bought a supply of 2x2x12" blocks from them about two years ago. This is true Gaboon Ebony that is coal black and rock hard to boot; not a streak in the lot. The only caveat is that I think there is a $100 min order if you are having it shipped.