Sawing and Planing Ebony

[Andy Kev.]

I've just been given a piece of ebony which is about 15" x 2" x 3/4". It is very heavily ribbed from where it has been cut with a large mechanical saw. Ideally I'd like to ripsaw it into four long pieces and then plane them smooth. I've got a normal 20" hand rip saw but I might be able to get access to a table saw. Which would be the better option?

Secondly, are there any specific tips for planing ebony? I was thinking of taking my low angle jack plane to it (blade recently sharpened). Would that do the trick?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gerard Scanlan]

Before you cut, how long have you had this ebony and where has it been stored. In other words is it equally dry inside and out? Then you need to check out the end grain before you decide which way to cut it. Why all the fuss. Well because it is getting very hard to get and you don't want to cut it open and watch it bend into a black banana. Even if the piece you have is straight it doesnt automatically guarantee two or more straight pieces when you slice it up. The most economic way to cut it is with a bandsaw. The blade is a lot thinner than a table saw. You do need someone who has a fair bit of skill on a bandsaw to do it for you or the wandering blade will eat up most than the thickness of a table saw. A hand saw is also a good way to cut it if you are patient and let the saw cut under its own weight. But it will take a while to do. I have never found ebony difficult to plane.
Good luck.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Gerald,

thanks for the reply. It looks like there might be more to this than I thought. I suspect it has been stored well because the bloke who gave it me had it from a reputable firm. The two ends appear to have been dipped in wax which is presumably to keep them in good condition. I'll try to take the wax off carefully so as to have a look at the end grain. I might have a go with the hand saw and take my chances on the black banana effect.

Andy.