#2216 Gabon Ebony. (Gaboon?)

Common Name(s): Gaboon Ebony, African Ebony, Nigerian Ebony, Cameroon Ebony

Scientific Name: Diospyros crassiflora

Distribution: Equatorial West Africa

Tree Size: 50-60 ft (15-18 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft3 (955 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .82, .96

Janka Hardness: 3,080 lbf (13,700 N)

Workability: Can be difficult to work due to its extremely high density. Has a dulling effect on cutters. Tearout may occur on pieces that have interlocked or irregular grain. Due to the high oil content found in this wood, it can occasionally cause problems with gluing. Finishes well, and polishes to a high luster. Responds well to steam bending.

Pricing/Availability: Gaboon Ebony is among the most expensive of all available lumbers: usually about two to three times more expensive than most species of Rosewood. The small size of the tree, and its high demand for ornamental work may contribute to its seemingly outlandish price.

Sustainability: This wood species is in CITES Appendix II (for Diospyros species from Madagascar), and is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of over 50% in the past three generations, caused by exploitation.

Comments: So named because historically most of the wood was exported from the nation of Gabon, though today it’s much more likely to be sourced from Cameroon.

There’s no mistaking Gaboon Ebony as there are few woods that are deep and solid black (unless dyed), and even most species in the Diospyros genus aren’t black. Other types of ebony include: Macassar (striped) Ebony, and Black and White Ebony. African Blackwood is very similar in density, color, and (unfortunately) cost, but is technically in the Dalbergia genus and isn’t considered a true ebony. Wenge and Katalox are two woods that are sometimes used as an ebony substitute.

The wood is exceptionally dense, strong, and stiff, though it is considered to have moderate to poor stability through seasonal changes.

Looks great Odie! I have found it is hard to get a good finish on the dark woods. Like eliminating sanding lines and finish streaks.

PS: The photo is really blurry just for your info...

Gabriel Hoff said:

Looks great Odie! I have found it is hard to get a good finish on the dark woods. Like eliminating sanding lines and finish streaks.

PS: The photo is really blurry just for your info...

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Thanks Gabirel......

Try this...... After you finish sanding on the lathe, do some random orbit sanding by hand on a stationary bowl under bright light. At this point, you can see fine scratches left from hand sanding under power. (Look directly into where the light reflects back to your eye, in order to see them.) This Gabon Ebony bowl improved by using 1500gt, at this stage, but many other species benefit from this random orbit sanding by hand using 600gt. On the lathe, I usually sand to 600gt under power for most all my bowls....this is while holding the paper by hand against the spinning bowl.

Yeah, I know about that photo.....too late for a re-do now, as the bowl has been sold!

-o-

Nice job, great wood!

Dimitris Psilopatis said:

Nice job, great wood!

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Thanks Dimitris.....

-o-

Odie, the great looking wood and finish is complemented by your unique design elements - well done!

Gene Pitstick said:

Odie, the great looking wood and finish is complemented by your unique design elements - well done!

Click to expand...

Thank you, Gene.....

-o-