Thread: Exotic wood, Queen Ebony, African Ebony

is the idea that the black squares be end grain or long grain?

if you attach slices to a backer board, each square might only need to be around 3 mm thick, reducing the quantity you require significantly.

locally -- Calgary, Alberta -- I'd be visiting the local supplier of guitar woods. Ebony is a fairly common wood for a guitar neck.


lastly, would Wenge or an Australian ebony be a suitable substitute?

Hi Ian, yea Ive got some blackheart sassafras that ill cut into 5mm thick pieces in the end grain.

Yea I'd be happy to get australian ebony or wenge.

Thanks mate

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Here's where I used to get Queen Ebony, Timber merchants Australia & Worldwide (but not sure if he is still up and running) other ebonies are sometimes available from your specialist suppliers.

Why do you need that timber specifically? Many other timbers that are more easily available, even your local redgum, can be ebonised. I use a solution of steel wool/vinegar/old tea bag - leave for a week then strain. Use by painting on then leave piece in sun till dry, repeating until you get desired colour.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

Why do you need that timber specifically? Many other timbers that are more easily available, even your local redgum, can be ebonised.

good question.


the squares on a chess board need to present an alternating light / dark contrast.

Is Woodyo using Holly for the white squares? Which would sort of make sense if the dark squares are one of the Ebonies.

Heres the contasting 'white' colour with a black fleck through it. Im going to use the end grain for the squares

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Google or look on eBay for African Blackwood for some black Ebony looking timber.

Originally Posted by Woodyo

Heres the contasting 'white' colour with a black fleck through it. Im going to use the end grain for the squares

for a moment there I though I was looking at a piece of concrete !

out of interest, how will you go about smoothing and finishing that end grain ?


It might not be much help, but locally (Calgary, Alberta) a piece of Ebony of the size you're looking for would cost around $400.

I have a 25mm thick Wenge board
PM if you would like some

could laminate to get 40mm squares

Rob

Originally Posted by dai sensei

Why do you need that timber specifically?

Every souvenir shop in Tas has chessboards with blackwood and Huon pine squares.


Cheers

Graeme

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

Every souvenir shop in Tas has chessboards with blackwood and Huon pine squares.


Cheers

Graeme

and Blackwood is easily ebonised too