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.
What is it like to work with Zircote?
- Thread starter les-smith
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ilikewood
Member
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
Member
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
Member
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
Member
Will let you know later, glued up a Zircote last night...
Pikebite
Member
Nice black bog oak could be another option.
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
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.
Shipping from Europe runs a minimum of about $8 a pound, so don't be too surprised at $30.
doeringr
Member
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
Member
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!
Generally E-bay sellers never undercharge for the postage!
kent4Him
Member
You could also go with Diamondwood. They make jet black.
workinforwood
Member
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!
huntersilver
Member
I still like Ebony, and have had good luck with it not cracking,
having said that I do use a lacquer finish on Ebony.
having said that I do use a lacquer finish on Ebony.
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