Ed McDonnell
Member
I've been experimenting with altering the physical characteristics of PR for a couple different projects. I'm getting interesting results. As I was playing with one of the rods that I made that had some flexibility to it, I began to wonder what the physical characteristics of ebonite are. Specifically, does it have any flexibility to it and how hard is the surface (dent with a fingernail?).
Of course, if I had ever turned ebonite I would know this. And I suppose I could just buy a rod of ebonite and answer all my questions. And I probably will, but for now I would really appreciate any answers that anybody who has worked with ebonite could provide.
Is a ~5/8" rod of ebonite flexible? Can it be bent / deformed (without breaking) or is it rigid (like PR / Alumilite)? Will ebonite break if bent too far or put under too much stress?
Is ebonite porous? Does it absorb liquids it comes in contact with?
How hard is ebonite? Dents / scratches with a fingernail? Very scratch resistant?
If you left an ebonite rod / pen on the dash of a closed up car in the sun in the summer heat, what would happen to the ebonite?
Are there any colors that ebonite should never be?
Is the change in color of ebonite over time (oxidation? UV deterioration?) a desirable characteristic for pens?
Is the smell of ebonite a desirable characteristic for pens?
Thanks for any and all replies.
Ed
Of course, if I had ever turned ebonite I would know this. And I suppose I could just buy a rod of ebonite and answer all my questions. And I probably will, but for now I would really appreciate any answers that anybody who has worked with ebonite could provide.
Is a ~5/8" rod of ebonite flexible? Can it be bent / deformed (without breaking) or is it rigid (like PR / Alumilite)? Will ebonite break if bent too far or put under too much stress?
Is ebonite porous? Does it absorb liquids it comes in contact with?
How hard is ebonite? Dents / scratches with a fingernail? Very scratch resistant?
If you left an ebonite rod / pen on the dash of a closed up car in the sun in the summer heat, what would happen to the ebonite?
Are there any colors that ebonite should never be?
Is the change in color of ebonite over time (oxidation? UV deterioration?) a desirable characteristic for pens?
Is the smell of ebonite a desirable characteristic for pens?
Thanks for any and all replies.
Ed