gabon ebony

[tim crain 54]

I was looking for a piece of ebony for a bridge and came across some nice pieces that were scraps from a canoe that this guy built. I couldn't figure out how to attach the link so the easiest thing is just do a search on ebay for seller ppg_84 and click on any of the pieces of ebony that he has listed, along with the picture of the piece he is selling are photos and the story of the canoe which really has to be seen. Incredible. Enjoy, Tim

[ken cierp]

Here you go -- check out the pictures
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kiln-dried-Gabo ... _984wt_917

[John Link]

The seller's canoe (and bowl) web site is fascinating.

http://www.woodsongcanoes.com/wood_song_contents.htm

M A S epoxy, which he apparently sells and/or represents, may be of value to some of us. (See the last item on his menu.)

Some of the larger pieces on eBay would make nice oversized head stock coverings at a very good price, if you are equipped to resaw. Too bad he abandoned the "black plastic" type of ebony after his first boat, but it looks like all of what he offers would dye solid black with little effort, if need be. When he discusses the plastic look in his comments on eBay, you should be aware that the hulls are covered inside and out with epoxy and fiberglass.

In general, the prices are very good for Gabon ebony, and the seller seems quite trust worthy.

Thanks for finding this, Tim and Ken.

[tim crain 54]

I bought one of his ebony pieces for $30 some bucks, it should provide at least 2 bridges. I'll let you know what it looks like when it arrives.

[tim crain 54]

I found it interesting that he glued it with Titebond II as opposed to epoxy and that he felt that the ebony didn't glue well with the epoxy because of it's oily nature. He obviously has some expirience in gluing it together. This brings me to my question. Which do you prefer to glue the finger board to the neck??

[John Link]

I ordered one of the ebony pieces too, for resawing into some oversized headplates. He is offereing it at a great price.

I've used epoxy to glue ebony fingerboards to mahogany necks that have lasted for 30 years, using AMR 101 aircraft epoxy. The reason was this epoxy sticks well to metal and I was using steel bars to strengthen the neck that I glued in simultaneously. Jet fuel issues are not really relevant. It is very expensive epoxy.

This guy seems to know MAS epoxy. Maybe you should write him, since you are a customer.

[John Link]

Epoxy will soften slightly under heat. One neck did not have quite the right relief and I made a jig to tension it in the direction I wanted it to move, then heated it with a heat gun, got it to move, and when it cooled, it stayed put.