Ebony Alternative

[Fibonacci]

Is there a recommended alternative for ebony that is less prone to cracking? I am making a pen that will be flying in cessnas in the arctic, so it will be exposed to massive temperature and humidity swings.

She really likes ebony, but I am worried about it falling apart.

Any recommendations?

 

[randywa]

You might talk to Tim at http://www.woodnwhimsies.com/index.html . His Dymond wood is several thin layers but isn't noticable.

 

[BRobbins629]

Alternate Ebony from Exotics (its plastic) or if you want wood, African Blackwood or Dyed Maple

 

[bitshird]

Yeah what Bruce said, African Blackwood is pretty stable, Dyed Maple some how just doesn't quite look right to me,

 

[Fibonacci]

I don't like dymondwood. I used some for a set of chopsticks and didn't like the way it looked.

It is probably a silly bias, but it just looked and felt fake to me. I like the idea of using african blackwood. I will see if that works for her.

 

[David Keller]

I've turned quite a bit of African blackwood, and it's much nicer to turn than ebony. Some of the pieces are not quite as pure black as good ebony, but the turning properties and stability exceed any piece of ebony I've ever had. Plus, it smells good.

 

[crabcreekind]

you could use black acrylic, but as everyone else said i would say a. blackwood

 

[Mac]

black sharpie. Seen it done by a famous turner, that makes beautiful finials and is known for them.
She uses holly for the wood nice tight grain.