Striped Ebony
Introduction
The Striped Ebony is also known as Macassar Ebony gets its name from the Indonesian port-city of Makassar, which is one among the first points of the exportation of wood. The common name Makassar ebony is for the main seaport on the island, Makassar. Diospyros celebica (commonly called black ebony or Makassar ebony could be a species of flowering tree within the family Ebenaceae that is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Striped ebony wood is variegated, patterned brown and black, and nearly continually wide-striped. It is thought of as an extremely valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinetwork, and joinery, and is much sought for (tokobashira) in ancient Japanese homes. Japan used to be the main importer of this wood. it is additionally used as a plank of wood in fingerboards for guitars and alternative related musical instruments.
The tree, if supplied with the right growing conditions like light, nutrients, and other environmental factors will develop to 20 m (66 ft) high, though such trees are seldom seen today. Since Striped ebony has been a woodworkers' favorite for hundreds of years, most of it has been cut and utilized in high-quality pieces of furniture. The wood is usually defective, showing cracks, and especially heart shakes and splits. it is harsh to dry and is best given ample time for this. In these woods changing the logs into boards as soon as possible is usually recommended. Southeast Asia produces some astounding exotics; Striped Ebony is, most certainly, one among its famous, trademark species. whereas it never has been abundant, Striped Ebony is however widespread in these remote locales. Striped Ebony is sort of never found in a pure stand, but small. Striped Ebony grows amazingly quickly because it continues to expand its size year-round in its near-equatorial locations.
Apart from the severe reactions that are quite uncommon, Ebony within the diospyros genus has been reported as a sensitizer. The Striped Ebony has been specifically reportable to cause skin irritation. hence correct forms of equipment and sensible ventilation ought to be provided for the woodworkers to make sure their safety.
The heartwood of this tree is rated as very sturdy and can stand up to rot caused because of aging and moisture. However, this has very poor resistance against the attack of insects or borers.
Specification
Common Name(s)
This wood is also known as Macassar Ebony, Striped Ebony, and Amara Ebony
Scientific Name
Distribution:
This wood is native to Southeast Asia
Tree Size:
This tree, if provided the optimum temperature and conditions will grow up to a height of 50-65 ft (15-20m) tall with a trunk diameter of 1.5 ft (.4 m).
Average Dried Weight
The average dried weight of this wood is about 70 lbs/ft3 (1,120 kg/m3).
Color and Appearance:
The heartwood of this tree contains a dramatic stripy look, somewhat the same as the stripes of the Zebrawood. it has a yellow to the reddish-brown body with darker brown or black stripes. It has a straw to golden-colored sapwood. The heartwood and also the sapwood is often differentiated.
Grain and Texture
The grain is typically straight, however, it will generally be interlocked. If the grains are found to be interlocked, care ought to be taken while working with this wood as tear-out will happen. This wood is of fine uniform texture and sensible natural luster. thanks to its naturally good luster the finishing process need not require much effort to get a smooth polished finish. Diffuse-porous; medium to giant pores in no specific arrangement; solitary, with radial multiples of 2-4 common; mineral deposits present; growth rings indistinct; rays not visible while not lens; parenchyma reticulate, vasicentric.
Workability:
The wood of the Striped Ebony tends to be rather tough to figure with, because of its high density. it has a blunting impact on cutters, tools, and it has often interlocked grain. The wood is additionally at risk of checking and splitting throughout drying, and drying defects are not uncommon. The wood has glorious turning property and is employed to form several turned objects. Like many types of wood of comparable density, it will be tough to figure and hard on blades, however that's of very little concern to people who have expertise with this regal ebony species.
Odor:
The Striped Macassar Ebony contains a gentle, slightly unpleasant odor once being worked. though this wood does not turn out any characteristic smell while being harvested.
Availability
This wood is probably going to be very pricey, along with most different Ebony members within the diospyros genus. The tree grows slowly, contains a very restricted natural habitat, and is highly desired for the wood’s aesthetic attractiveness and toughness. This wood species is not listed within the CITES Appendices however is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as vulnerable because of a population reduction of over 200th within the past hundred years, caused by a decline in its natural habitat, exploitation, illegitimate harvest, poaching at an alarming rate, and extremely few efforts taken for afforestation and rejuvenation of this tree species.
Common Uses:
This wood is usually used for creating veneer, high-end woodworking, table game cues, musical instruments, and different tiny specialty things. This wood is not only added to its constant demand with veneer mills but also it is highly-prized by stringed instrument luthiers. It has a nice density that provides the wood with tremendous resonance, hence making it ideally suited to guitar back-and-sides or fretboards. It is thought of as an extremely valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinetwork, and joinery, and is much sought for (tokobashira) in ancient Japanese homes. Japan used to be the main importer of this wood. it is additionally used as a plank of wood in fingerboards for guitars and alternative related musical instruments.
References
https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/product/ebony-macassar/
https://www.wood-database.com/macassar-ebony/