Turning Ebonite

[mbroberg]

I am going to turn some ebonite within the next week. I turned the ends of some rods tonight just to see which one I wanted to turn into a pen. I discovered two things. It stinks, and it turns off as a fine powder. :curse:

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'd like to know if I tap ebonite will it hold a thread. Also, is there anything I should know about finishing it? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bgibb42]

Keep your tool sharpening setup on standby. When I turned the ebonite pen for my wife, I used a skew and had to go back to the grinder every third or fourth pass! I was also able to get ribbons from using the skew. You're absolutely right, it does stink. I don't have first hand experience with threading it, but I've read that it takes threads quite well. As for a finish...some will say use lacquer, but others will say to just polish it as it is. I opted for just polishing it. My wife uses her pen fairly regularly, and it still looks good, but the choice is yours. Hope this helps!

 

[fernhills]

It drilled hard for me, but turned nice, (ribbons). I just polished it up on the beall buff. It felt very smooth, so smooth that you didn`t want to put it down. As the days went by it got darker and looked very sleek. Then it cracked. I will try again at a later time, when i think the stock i have will be drier. Carl

 

[BRobbins629]

I'd like to know if I tap ebonite will it hold a thread.

One of the easiest materials we use to thread. Holds them very well. Has been used for high end pens for many years.

 

[mbroberg]

Thanks guys. I may give it a try this weekend.

 

[ablair]

Good Luck! hope you make a great pen!!!

 

[Ligget]

Keep us updated on your progress!