What is it like to work with Zircote?

[les-smith]

I've got a customer who wants a Sierra made with something dark. I don't want to use Ebony, with it's cracking issues. Zircote seems to have the color he is looking for so I'm wondering what it's like. Do you all have any other suggestions for a dark wood (close to black)that I don't have to worry about it cracking. Would African Blackwood be a good choice? Thanks.

 

[ilikewood]

African Blackwood along with some Zircotes will work. Both are easy to turn and look nice. Another possibility you might consider is Katalox (also spelled Catalox). BigRob has some and it in my opinion is very nice.

 

[JimGo]

If you want dark with a fairly uniform color, Katalox or African Blackwood would be my choice. If you want something with a little more prominant figure, Zircote is an excellent choice. I've found Zircote to be a little fragile some times, but not too bad.

 

[chigdon]

If you do Zircote then cross cut is the way to go -- which of course means turning cross cut wood. I also agree Blackwood is stable and easy to turn. It is not as easy to finish but better than ebony.

 

[Malainse]

Will let you know later, glued up a Zircote last night...

 

[Pikebite]

Nice black bog oak could be another option.

 

[les-smith]

I'd love to try some Irish Bog Oak, but man it's hard to come by. I've kept my eye on E-bay, there is a guy selling some in the UK, but he wants $30.00 for shipping. I haven't found any closer to home yet.

 

[ed4copies]

Ziricote is one heck of a lot easier than bog oak!!!

Shipping from Europe runs a minimum of about $8 a pound, so don't be too surprised at $30.

 

[doeringr]

I've turned several items in walnut and then saturated it with a vinegar and steel wool solution. After a couple of treatments, it gets realy dark and walnut always finishes up really well. fwiw

 

[Pikebite]

Ed, just checked the shipping rates at the Post Office. With the current exchange rate it works out to about $9.50 a pound. That would ship 8-10 blanks depending on size. I just weighed a block of bog oak that is 9x2x2 inches and that weighs less than a pound (just).

Generally E-bay sellers never undercharge for the postage!

 

[kent4Him]

You could also go with Diamondwood. They make jet black.

 

[workinforwood]

Don't forget Wenge. It looks brownish while working it, but the finish is very much black with dark dark brown grain....just beware the splinters!

 

[les-smith]

Well, I made the Sierra and here it is. I really liked using the wood. I used BLO and it darkened it quite a bit. I like the kit, it seems like they are made really well. Thanks for all the replies.

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[huntersilver]

I still like Ebony, and have had good luck with it not cracking,
having said that I do use a lacquer finish on Ebony.