Indian Ebony Spindle Blank

Indian Ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon), also known as Coromandel Ebony or Tendu, is one of the finest ebonies available to the woodturner — a dense, jet-black to dark brown hardwood from the Indian subcontinent that has been prized for centuries for its extraordinary hardness, fine grain, and ability to take a mirror-like polish. Working with Indian Ebony is a genuinely special experience — the weight in the hand, the smoothness off a sharp tool, and the depth of colour in the finished piece are all exceptional.

Unlike some ebonies, Indian Ebony often displays attractive streaking — dark brown to black with occasional lighter figuring — giving each blank its own subtle character while retaining that unmistakable ebony presence. It is a timber that commands respect in the workshop and admiration on the shelf.

Wood Characteristics

• Species: Indian Ebony / Coromandel Ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon)
• Origin: India, Sri Lanka
• Colour: Jet-black to very dark brown, often with subtle lighter streaking
• Grain: Very fine and even — one of the finest-grained timbers available
• Hardness: Exceptionally hard and dense — one of the heaviest turning timbers in the world
• Finish: Polishes to a stunning mirror-like lustre — the surface quality is outstanding
• Workability: Turns well with very sharp tools; the extreme density demands patience and care — dust precautions essential
• Note: Due to its density, Indian Ebony benefits from slow, careful cuts and well-maintained tools

Choose Your Piece

Each numbered piece is a unique individual spindle blank. Select your preferred piece from the dropdown — the dimensions for each are listed below. Measurements are taken at the narrowest point of each blank; the overall average dimensions will be slightly larger.

Supplied

• Supplied dried and ready to turn
• Each piece is sold individually — select your piece using the dropdown above
• Dimensions shown are minimum measurements taken at the narrowest point; actual average size will be slightly larger

Natural wood — colour, grain, and figuring will vary between blanks. Images are representative.