Trade Names
Macassar, Ebony, Marblewood
Similar Woods
Origin
Celebes Islands (East Indies)
Range
Celebes Islands, possibly also Maluku, Borneo, very rare as veneer wood because it only grows with small dimensions.
Uses
Highest quality architectural woodwork, inlays and musical instruments.
Properties
The wood is black with brown regular or irregular reddish-brown to green-brown streaks. The wood has a distinct sheen and is most decorative.
Machining
Despite its extreme hardness Macassar Ebony is not particularly difficult to work. Very smooth surfaces are given when planed. Sawdust should be efficiently extracted because of the risk of inflammation of the eyes and skin.
Seasoning
Since Macassar Ebony is prone to checking it should be dried very slowly and carefully. It should definitely be kept out of the sun.
Finishing
Due to its decorative marking, silky luster or polished surfaces are to be recommended and these finishes take without any great difficulty.
Jointing
lue joints are easy to produce and hold well. Nail joints are very difficult to produce and screw joints must be pre-drilled.