help me with a little project please

[Oliver R]

Hi all,

I'm making an umbrella with a wooden pole and need some help from a
woodworker. I've got a 35" x 1" x 3/4" piece of ebony that has a slight bow to it.

I'm wondering if anyone would be able to cut it straight for me and square it off into 13 mm x 13 mm square.

It needs to be straight and fairly even (within tolerance of 0.1 mm) as it will have to fit into the metal runner that moves along and opens the canopy.

I took another piece to the local timber shop that has a cutting service, but they did it with a circular saw not a jointer and what I got back was all over the place

Therefore I've come here to find a professional who knows what he is doing

I am in SW London - will travel to your shop, hopefully no further than 1h outside London.

I'd really appreciate your help - thank you - Oliver.

 

[Oliver R]

im not getting any replies on this, have I asked for something wrong or very difficult? any advice..

o

 

[Lons]

Hi Oliver

I think you'll find it difficult to get that sorted and it's unlikely to stay straight IMO.

Others here might have more experience of ebony as I've used it only in small blocks, and they may be able to offer more help.

Why not try to get a bit of straight ash or you can get 12 / 13mm hardwood strips ready cut from the DIY sheds for a few quid. Would need to dye and protect it to match rest of your project.

Bob

ps - Northumberland isn't much more than an hour outside London - is it :?: :lol:

 

[Oryxdesign]

Hi Oliver, I suspect Lons has hit the nail on the head.
I have no experience with ebony and I suspect that piece of timber was quite expensive.
I do have a planer thicknesser and you could pop down and I'll have a look. I am in Staplehurst in Kent.

Simon

 

[Oliver R]

Hi thanks for the replies.
It is actually a matching set of 2 umbrellas, one on a round pole that I am turning myself on a long bed metal lathe and the other one is a square.

I am aware that as a lot of thickness will be taken off at once there will be some movement as the wood settles but ebony is fairly stable so shouldnt bother too much, its more the even thickness that matters.

It has to be a black tonewood for this project I am afraid, an artistic preference
I'd use mpingo/blackwood but don't know any suppliers in the uk for such pieces..
As im sure you know ebony is a very hard wood but it does chip easily at thin points but should be ok if the blades are sharp on the jointer, shouldn't be a problem.

Simon - thanks, I'll drop you a pm.

 

[wizer]

I'm in Bexley, don't mind helping if you want to drive over. I didn't reply initially as I thought someone more local would help.

 

[Oliver R]

I went to see Simon from Oryxdesign yesterday. Although he was clearly very busy with a big project, he took the time to help me out. I measured the part today and its perfect. We also had a good old chat & he showed me pictures of his various projects. The guy has got a very good approach to his craft & some very innovative ideas. Thanks Simon I really appreciate your help.

Oliver

 

[Oryxdesign]

No problem Oliver, it was good to meet you. Woodworkers spend a lot of time in their shop on their own so its good to have visitors.

I had never worked ebony before, it was too small to machine plane but it thicknessed well and scrapes amazingly. Makes your hands black.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Simon