odie
TOTW Team
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
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Keeping the tools sharp is what's necessary for a clean cut......
The last time I made a bowl from Gabon ebony, it only lasted about a week after I listed it, before someone bought it. Seems as though there will be no problem selling more. I purchased two more pieces recently at a very exorbitant price......two pieces 6x6x2 were $200! It is available only very rarely in any size large enough to make a bowl from.....so, I figured I better get it fast, while it's available.
I know this is a popular species for other turners......mostly for spindle work making knobs. Now, considering the following, I'm wondering just how ethical it is to even be using this wood at all:
Sustainability: This wood species is in CITES Appendix II (for Diospyros species from Madagascar), and is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of over 50% in the past three generations, caused by exploitation.
http://www.wood-database.com/gaboon-ebony/
I roughed one of the two blocks on Friday, and it will not be finish turned until late this year, because the drying process is very slow for this dense wood......about 22%MC, shown here, plus the one I sold last year.
The beauty of this wood is in a class by itself.......just outstanding!
What say you? Do you use Gabon ebony, and does this constitute an unethical practice for us woodturners? This wood may very well be poached......but, how can you tell if it's been harvested ethically?......if that's possible. From my standpoint......all trees do have a lifespan, and thus can be harvested with sustainability in mind.....so to some degree, it's not entirely unethical to be using it in all circumstances. Regardless, there is the realization that humanity isn't always ethical, and left to it's own good intentions, can't be relied upon to prevent greed from being a contributor to the availability of any wood species that can be over-exploited.
ko