I’m interested in knowing what materials most woodworkers are choosing for their
G&G work. I know the traditional materials are Mahogany (Honduras I
believe) and Gabon Ebony though budgets being what they are I
suspect that some work is being done with substitute
materials that have the similar look and feel.
I ask as I’m planning on making a bedroom set (for myself) and am
working out the cut list and project costs.
I’ve used African Mahogany/Ebony in past G&G inspired pieces and like the
tones it has and it machines and finishes well.
For Ebony I’ve used both real Ebony and India-in died Walnut – though I
understand that Bloodwood might be a good substitute as it has
similar hardness to Ebony.
Do you know if Sapele is a decent alternative for G&G furniture – any feedback on it would be appreciated. I understand that it has similar visual qualities to African mahogany
though is a harder material. It is also a little less expensive in
my neck of the woods (Toronto Canada) than either African or
Honduras Mahogany.
Feedback appreciated.
Replies
Hi Ohoke,
Honduras mahogany is getting harder to find and the price seems going up at the same time. I switched to (ribbon cut) African mahogany about a year ago and for the most part am happy with it.
Ebony is so much harder than both the African and the Hondo. If you to make the ebony plug just a little larger (10 –15 thousands) than the hole – the harder ebony then will force its shape on the mahogany and produce a very crisp line. When considering an alternative to Hondo, keep in mind the wood’s hardness. I have not tried Sapele on G&G work. I am sure it would produce an agreeable finish but since it is a little harder, I would suggest inlaying a few ebony plugs first and see how it goes.
As for the ebony, most of the original G&G work was done with Gaboon, although the Greenes and the Halls used Macassar for the built-ins in the Thorsen House. I prefer the Gaboon.
I have not found a respectable alternative to Gaboon ebony. It is such an ideal choice for G&G details, because of its hardness as stated above and because it has such a deep warm glow that no other wood (that I have found) can emulate. I realize gaboon ebony is very expensive and can be difficult to find, but if your budget will allow it - I would certainly suggest it.
On the other hand…. I am by no means a purist. If you find alternatives that looks good and you can work with - by all means use them. When I started out doing G&G years ago ,I used cherry with padouk for the detailing. The hardness ratio is by no means ideal with this combination, but I liked the way both woods aged together. It wasn’t until I started using Hondo and Gaboon ebony that I realized what a great combination they were.
Darrell
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