Has anyone ever attempted a rocking chair out of ebony? I know that it would be real expensive but I think that it would look pretty neat. I am working on a Maloof rocker right now and would love to try ebony someday.
I've never heard of it. Nonetheless, there is no reason why it could not be done. It would be expensive and it would be heavy.
Please realize that there are several different kinds of ebony available. Most people think of the solid black ebony. That is gaboon ebony. There is also macasar ebony that is more brown (and cheaper). I really like black and white ebony. Yes, it is black and white. Black and White ebony is also cheaper than gaboon.
I think a chair made of black and white ebony would look fantastic.
I've never made a Maloof style chair but I assume there is a lot of shaping involved and probably a lot of it would have to be done by hand. Ebony would be harder to shape manually than most other woods.
I would suggest that you get a piece and experiment with some of the shaping you would have to do before laying down big $$$ to by the wood for your chair.
I also agree with KnickKnack's point about the source of the lumber. The problem is that you may have some difficult knowing exactly where it came from. Work with a reputable retailer like Cook Woods in Oregon.
You might have a problem with balancing the chair. Ebony is very heavy. It may not rock well. Also, be prepared to do a lot of searching for ebony in the sizes needed that are not cracked. The cost of the wood will be very high.
I am just starting on a Maloof style chair myself….I am using Charles Brock's package. I have chosen to make it out of maple as I feel confident working in this wood. Once I gain confidence I may try some different species (would love to try cocobolo). You might want to PM Charles (he is a fellow LJ) or there are several other folks with a lot of experience with this style chair (do a search on Maloof) who could perhaps give you better insight into what species are compatible and what are not.
How are your sharpening skills? That stuff is pretty brutal on a sharp edge.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
LumberJocks Woodworking Forum
2.5M posts
96K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!