Thread: Ebony & Ivory

Hi All!

I just finished making this brush in the shop. I figured the only place it might be appreciated, outside my house, would be here.
There were a couple of 'firsts' in its' construction for me. I never turned ivory before, in this case a Victorian billiard ball.Nor did I work with black and white ebony. I had some idea about working with ivory, and the things to avoid, but no information could be found for the wood.
Both turned just fine, and so far, without incident.
I have a picture before use, and after. Quite a difference from the boar brush I normally use.
The inspiration to make this originated from this site- Thanks!

Ed
quicknicker

Nice work, Ed.
I like the way that brush looks.

I think that is absolutely stunning. Makes me want to get a custom brush made! Very nice work.

Absolutely beautiful. I like the design. The length of the handle looks just right.

I am assuming you turned the billard ball on a woodlathe. Was turning ivory a challenge?

Looks wonderful.
Your project leaves me with great satisfaction that your pre-celluloid cue ball will actually a use, rather than sitting on a shelf as a curiosity.

Thanks for the repurpose

Wow...that is really nice! Fantastic work!

Great work! I never would have thought of using a cue ball? Very ingenuative.

Yes, it was turned on a wood lathe. It was a little scary, not wanting to ruin a 100 year old treasure, but it went quite well. I modified one of my tools so that only 3/32" was the cutting surface. Ivory can't be heated during its reshaping, sanding, or drilling. Other than that it was beautiful to work with, and then to look at. I probably should have reduced the largest diameter to keep in better proportion, but did not, just to have more ivory. My pics do it no justice!
And thanks for the compliments guys.

Ed
quicknicker

Originally Posted by Qatsats

Absolutely beautiful. I like the design. The length of the handle looks just right.

I am assuming you turned the billard ball on a woodlathe. Was turning ivory a challenge?

That is a very handsome brush. You did a particulary wonderful job working with the ebony as it can be very difficult to work with because it is incredibly brittle. Be very proud of your finished piece there, It looks really really great.

Brilliant idea of using an old billiard ball for the ivory by the way. I don't think I would have thought of that. Keep up the great work.

So, That's the brush you were talking about Ed...Very Nice...

A Victorian era billiard ball...? Wow....