Ebony

[Arnold in sask]

Arnold here its been awhile , been busy at work. I need some help in regards to making a pen using ebony. Some place I read that it shrinks and cracks after it gets put together? Is this the fact. I have some gaboon ebony in stock and a customer wants a pen and a letter opener. I thank you in advance for your help.

Arnold

[rdabpenman]

I have done quite a few pens with Gaboon Ebony and have had no problems with cracking or shrinking.
I think the ones that shrink and or crack were probably not totally dry.

Les

[Sawdust]

Hi Arnold,

I have used ebony for years in all kinds of furniture work and turning (other than pens) and have never had a shrinking or movement problem. Everything I have used has been 6-8%. Some of the vases and segmented turnings have been shipped to Illinois and Florida and nothing ever shrank or cracked. My experience is that it is very stable when worked dry.

[Arnold in sask]

Thank you. I will turn out a flat top american pen kit for a trial run.

Thanks again

arnold