Question about ebony

JBCustomCues

JBCustomCues

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Ok I got some kiln dried ebony from a very reputable souce. After receiving it the wood I let it alcalmate for about a week then turned round and came out the next afternoon and found the wood was severly checking. I called the place of purchase and they told me that the lumber was actualy air dried not kiln dried. Luckly the place of purchase is replacing the lumber. Anyways my question is considering that most ebony is air dried how long do most cuemakers let the wood sit in the shop before they use it for cues???
thanks
 
JBCustomCues said:
Ok I got some kiln dried ebony from a very reputable souce. After receiving it the wood I let it alcalmate for about a week then turned round and came out the next afternoon and found the wood was severly checking. I called the place of purchase and they told me that the lumber was actualy air dried not kiln dried. Luckly the place of purchase is replacing the lumber. Anyways my question is considering that most ebony is air dried how long do most cuemakers let the wood sit in the shop before they use it for cues???
thanks
Click to expand...

Until the internal moisture stabilizes around 12%. I was at Rockler a couple of months ago and they had some Gabon on sale. I asked if it was dry and they said it was still a little wet. I checked it and it was 23%.

Dick
 
I had so many problems with "Air Dried Ebony" in my early years that I refuse to buy it unless it has been kiln dried. It cost more and rightly so as they lose some wood when drying it. But I would rather pay more up front, than pay more later by putting labor in wood that checks.
 
JBCustomCues said:
***** Anyways my question is considering that most ebony is air dried how long do most cuemakers let the wood sit in the shop before they use it for cues???
thanks
Click to expand...

I let mine rest for 3 years, then I turn it to 1.420 and let it rest another 3 years, then I reduce it to 1.320 and use it when I need it. I do that to all my wood, not just Ebony.

Good Cuemaking,
 
I have a question about ebony also. I have a board 2x3x36, and it's around 17%. It's covered completely in wax. Would it help it to dry faster if I cut it into smaller sections, then only seal the ends? Or should I reseal the entire piece? I have trouble understanding how a piece can dry out if completely sealed. Thanks,
Dave
 
Dave38 said:
I have a question about ebony also. I have a board 2x3x36, and it's around 17%. It's covered completely in wax. Would it help it to dry faster if I cut it into smaller sections, then only seal the ends? Or should I reseal the entire piece? I have trouble understanding how a piece can dry out if completely sealed. Thanks,
Dave
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3 inches is way too thick imo. Cut it in half then seal it.
I think the way you seal it depends where you will store it.
If humidity gets down to the 30 % and lower, you definitely have some risk of them cracking.
I'd wax the ends, apply sanding sealer on sides and store them in my closet under the clothes but not air deprived.
 
I have ebony that is more than 5 years old that I haven't even cut the corners off of. Seal the ends and put it away for several years. Buy a good moisture meter and don't cut the Ebony, or any wood, till its below 10%
 
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