Bill Day wrote in message ...
On 6 Jul 2003 16:43:43 -0700, (John O'Toole) wrote:

Hi all,
Recently started using ebony as inlays in small turned boxes. Problem
is that they develop radial cracks in the process. Any advice to
prevent this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
one way is not to use Ebony (usually Diospyros melanoxylon) ...but to
track down some African Blackwood..(Dalbergia melanoxylon) which is what
clarinets is made from...the right pieces are just as black as Ebony and
MUCH more stable. Yeah, *wry grin*...I know, you already have this
Ebony...I do too...and I keep using my Ebony for small projects and
sometimes it is fine if I take it slowly...but I bought some Blackwood
locally, and I am going to go see if they have more....

I second the motion for African Blackwood
only ever turned one piece - but it cut like Indian Rosewood and was
black as coal - quite pricey tho, - got mine from Exotic Woods in NJ
not the place for bargins

would you be willing to share your source of Blackwood?

Dale



good luck!