Dalbergia Melanoxylon
Description:
Although sometimes referred to as ebony, it is in fact related to the rosewoods. (The true ebonies are Diospyros spp.) The narrow sapwood is yellow-white in color, contrasting with the heartwood which is dark purple-brown with black streaks. The grain is usually straight, but can be variable. The wood is slightly oily to the touch, extremely fine and even-textured. It is very heavy and hard.
Typical dry weight: 75 lb/ft³ (1200 kg/m³)
Specific gravity: 1.2
Properties:
The wood is very strong and tough in all categories, but is not normally used for steam bending due to its weight and density. African blackwood has a severe blunting effect on tools; Tungsten-carbide-tipped (TCT) tools are required for conversion. It is difficult to work but turns well. Pre-boring is necessary for nailing and screwing, and screw threads can be tapped into it almost as well as in metal. It glues fairly well, takes stain well and can be brought to a brilliant, lustrous finish.
Seasoning:
African blackwood dries very slowly and can take 2-3 years to season fully. Part-seasoned in log or billet form, it is then converted, end-coated and stacked under cover. There can be problems with heart shakes and end splitting.
Durability:
The heartwood is very resistant to decay and to preservative treatment. The sapwood is vulnerable to attack from the powder-post beetle.
Typical Uses:
Woodwind instruments including bagpipe chanters, piano keys, police truncheons, chess pieces, ornamental turnery, inlay work, handles, building construction, joists and framing.
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