Today I turned some  black Ebony for the first time. A very dense, heavy and hard wood. First thing I notice is that the chips don't go a flying, like normal. A black discharge of tiny particles, more like dust. I used my carbide tools mostly, but did also use my HSS small gouge and parting tool. I did notice that these tools got dull quicker than normal.

 Does this wood take glue well? Should it be prepped first with an alcohol cleaning? 

 

I've used African Blackwood- a cousin of Ebony- to make knife scales. You are right about being hard. I used alcohol to clean it before applying epoxy. I think you can use acetone, too. I pinned all my scales and they are holding well. Can't say about TiteBond type glues.

 

Here's some things I found by a Google search- http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/woodworking-and-woodworking-machinery/tips-glueing-ebony-215850/

 

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?2677-Gluing-Ebony-to-Ebony

 

Several different opinions.....

I learned a lot and had quite a time with this one. The Ebony is so hard that it didn't take the finish as normal wood does. I used Hut friction finish and did my normal thing. It didn't look good at all. I had to wait for a while for it to polish good. I did go ahead and glue it the normal way with Woodworker II. It won't have to hold any weight and the pieces were tight enough that I could left the glue out. Then the yellow heart kept chipping out. I wanted to make the yellow heart much smaller but was afraid to because of the chipping and maybe a possible breakage. I am not proud of this one, but sure did learn a lot. It did also flew  out when I was working on it, but somehow did not hurt it. Must of landed on the Ebony. 

 At this point I want to polish it more and see what happens.............maybe........or just leave it alone and chalk it up as a learning experience. 

 Another concern is the Ebony dryness, I had it wrapped in paper (as recommended) for a month. It was inch and half square by 10 inches. I hope it is dry enough. 

Looks great!

That yellowheart comes out looking like gold. Very nice job