What would you do if you wanted some narrow ebony strips - but you were too mean to buy the real stuff ? I dont think we have too many black timbers in Australia. In fact near-black would do.

I cant use stained timber because it needs to be shaped and sanded after being glued in place. I think the same would apply to ebonised timber (surface treatment only).

Is there some substitute ? Some alternative treatment ?

cheers
Arron

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Arron what size are talking about??

Would old piano keys do??

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As a dad I have not been made redundant!! I have just changed to President & Chariman of the Board. Taken the seat of my father and his father before him. Its lonely at the top till the grandies come over.
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Sorry, say 300mm x 4mm x 6mm

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www.patonga.me - A website about Patonga - fishing, wildlife, flora and local events. Take a look.

the Solomon Islands ebony people were selling bundles of thin strips at the WWW show and I bought a bundle, If you can wait till sunday I will check on the thicknesses, I would think they are 3-4mm from memory
You are welcome to a strip if that helps

thanks Clint, thats very good of you, but I was really talking about an ongoing need, rather then a one-off. The size I gave was just a for-instance.

cheers
Arron

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www.patonga.me - A website about Patonga - fishing, wildlife, flora and local events. Take a look.

White oak treated with the following:

Iron Oxide (Rust) dissolved in DISTILLED white vinegar. (Takes 3-4 weeks)

Filter several times through coffee filters. Apply to the oak and it turns black almost instantly.Darkens deeper than a stain. (Maybe a mm or so.)

I don't know how long it keeps but given the 3-4 week soaking period, I would guess several weeks to several months.

If you use glacial acetic acid (B&W Photography chemical stop bath among other uses.) the 3-4 week soak time should be substantially reduced. But you should dilute it with distilled water before use.

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Rich

Help! I've dropped my nail gun and can't glue up.

what about gidgee or myall ?

Yep, I think gidgee/myall will do the trick. Never thought of that. Any idea where you can buy it (aside from Trend Timber).

I was also thinking of wenge though thats pretty horrible stuff to work, prefer the gidgee.

cheers
Arron

__________________
www.patonga.me - A website about Patonga - fishing, wildlife, flora and local events. Take a look.