Thread: Special Order-African Blackwood

This was a special order that was specifically requested to be posted. It is a 20 mm 2-band (yes, it does look like 3) made with African blackwood.

I didnt have my light box or my camera (left them at the University when I left for break), but here are some relatively acceptable pics from my phone.


This was after the first sanding, before I sanded with the grain. And yes, it did start off that purple.


Different side showing an interesting inclusion.


Dry fit. Nearly sanded out. before hand sanding the last time.


Showing the inclusion. same stage as before.

A simple decoration. Dark woods hide most decorations.


Wet epoxy and a decent grain shot.


Same stage as above at a different angle.


Cured and set. Please don't use my fingerprints to frame me. A better photographer would have wiped it down before-hand.

Less finger prints here.

I hope this gets across the absolute beauty of this wood. In-hand this wood is much darker than shown here, but if I took a pic of the brush with no flash, it looks just like a simple black handle. the depth of this wood is truly amazing considering the lack of chatoyance. I would not recommend this wood to a beginning turner though as it is very oily and precautions should be taken when turning and finishing.

I love it, and where to you get the badger hair for these projects?

Originally Posted by 1971Wedge

I love it, and where to you get the badger hair for these projects?

It depends on what knot the customer (or I) wants. Many people just find it easier to order from TGN.

That wood is beautifully done. You brought all the subtle colors to life.

Nice looking brush! I enjoy the simple aesthetic of the shape

Just Curious,why not use ebony instead.? Great looking brush.

That's a great looking brush. The pictures almost look photoshopped the way they sparkle, incredible!
I have to ask, how long does it take to turn a brush like that? I realize the finish can take days but, my lathe experience from high school has entirely escaped my memory.

Eric.

Originally Posted by epd

That's a great looking brush. The pictures almost look photoshopped the way they sparkle, incredible!
I have to ask, how long does it take to turn a brush like that? I realize the finish can take days but, my lathe experience from high school has entirely escaped my memory.

Eric.

Thank you. I would actually consider these terrible pics. I actually hope that my wife doesn't see them as she would be embarrassed of my skills. You should see what she can do!

Normally the turning process itself can be done in about 15 minutes, but I will usually spend a number of hours debating shape, making sure my contours are just right, and measuring to make sure that they follow the golden rule as close as I can; then I always end up throwing all of that out the window and making it fit what I want. When I follow my process I will actually turn for around 2-3 hours (ridiculous, I know). The finish itself takes me around 30-60 minutes to apply and around 24 hours for a handlable cure. If you want to learn that, you have to find your way to my shop.