Woodcraft’s Back of the Rack Adds Ebony & Guanacaste

Updated on: Published on:
Wood cross-section showing growth rings beside Back of the Rack woodworking logo text

Woodcraft’s Back of the Rack wood supply offerings now feature two NEW Exotic Woods:

  • Ebony Gaboon
  • Guanacaste

Our most recently delivery of Gaboon Ebony (Diospyros Spp.) is native to Western Africa and can now be purchased in a variety of sizes with 23 item offerings from Woodcraft, making it much easier to find the right size for any project. The exceptional quality of this batch was worth the wait.  The heartwood is usually jet black, with little to no variation of visible grain.  Occasionally dark brown streaks may be present.  Can be difficult to work with due to its extremely high density.  It is dense enough to sink in water and has a dully effect on cutters.  It takes a finish well and has a high luster.  Ebony is commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its price and available sizes.  We have a  selection of  large sizes. The species has a long history of use, with carvings found dating back to the ancient Egyptians.  In the 16th century fine cabinets were made of ebony.  Makers of these cabinets in Paris were known as ebenistes, which remains the French term for a cabinetmaker. Ebony is commonly used for small ornamental purposes, such as piano keys, musical instrument parts, pool cues, carvings. Great for knobs, pulls, inlays and accents in cabinetry. Somewhat difficult to machine, but worth the reward and is excellent turning wood. 

Various sizes of dark Ebony Gaboon wood blanks and a turned ebony wood handle or spindle displayed on a white background
Five pieces of Ebony Gaboon pen blanks, including one round and four square, measuring 3/4 x 3/4 x 5 each
Close-up of Ebony Gaboon wood showing dark, dense grain texture in 2x2x24 inch board.

23 Ebony offerings to choose from:

Dimensions, Item #’s and Suggested Usage
(Click on each link for more details)
3/4″ x 3/4″ x 5″ 1pc, 123671, Pen Turning
3/4″ x 3/4″ x 5″ 5pc, 838480, Pen Turning
5/8″ x 1-3/4″ x 8″, 154135, Luthier
3/4″ x 3″ x 24″, 123666, Dimension Lumber
1″ x 1″ x 6″, 154686, Pen Turning, Knife Handles
1″ x 1″ x 12″, 123741, Pen Turning, Spindles
1″ x 1″ x 16″, 154737, Spindles, Inlay, Pen Turning
1″ x 1″ x 20″, 154736, Spindles, Inlay, Pen Turning
1″ x 1″ x 24″, 154738, Spindles, Inlay, Pen Turning
1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 3″, 153512, Bottle Stopper
1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″, 838045, Bottle Stopper, Ornaments, Handle Stock
1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 12″, 123742, Bottle Stoppers, Ornaments, Handles, Spindles
1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 18″, 840216, Pool Cue, Spindles
2″ x 2″ x 3″, 846343, Bottle Stopper, Ornaments
2″ x 2″ x 6″, 847566, Handle Stock
2″ x 2″ x 12″, 123743, Bottle Stoppers, Ornaments, Handles, Spindles
2″ x 2″ x 18″, 154687, Pool Cue, Spindles
2″ x 2″ x 24″, 844376, Spindles, Leg Stock
3″ x 3″ x 3″, 154739, Pen Turning, Ornaments, Bottle Stoppers
3″ x 3″ x 6″, 839166, Handle Stock, Peppermill, Ornaments, Bottle Stoppers
3″ x 3″ x 12″, 838970, Pepper Mill
3″ x 3″ x 18″, 154740, Pepper Mill
5LB Assorted, 126350, Grab Bag

We have recently made a large purchase of Guanacaste Slabs.

Smooth Guanacaste wood slab with rich grain patterns and warm brown tones
Close-up of a Guanacaste wood slab showing natural grain and color variations
Guanacaste wood slab with natural grain and color variation, measuring 1.75 by 36.5 by 128 inches.

Perfect for tables, mantels headboards and other large projects.  Guanacaste is the national tree of Costa Rica, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, also known as Caro Caro or Elephant Ear Tree.  It is also found in Mexico and Central America. The seed pods that grow on the tree look like elephant ears and are used to make jewelry.

Close-up of guanacaste seed pods and seeds on a wooden surface
Close-up of delicate green fern leaves with fine, feathery leaflets in soft focus background
Close-up view looking up the trunk and branches of a guanacaste tree with textured bark and green leaves against the sky

The tree grows very tall, some up to 110 ft. The lumber from this exotic tree is best described as almost a wild walnut.  It has a range of colors from deep brown to orange and reds and is water resistant.  Typically used to make items such as doors, windows, large furniture, cabinets and for shipbuilding. The wood is easy to work and finishes well. These 6 offerings and 18 more, you will find here, https://store.woodcart.shop/categories/wood?species%5B%5D=Guanacaste

Guanacaste wood slab showing natural color contrast and grain pattern on workshop floor
Polished Guanacaste wood slab with rich grain patterns and warm tones, labeled with dimensions and item number.
Large guanacaste wood slab with natural edges and rich grain patterns, labeled with price tag

We’ll have about 80 more exotic offerings coming your way, all of which will add some great new projects for you to bring into your shop. Stay linked as we show you what’s new on the Back of the Rack at Woodcraft and we’ll look forward to seeing what you can make from them!

auf Wiedersehen…Frank

Back to blog