How to Round an Ebony Forend Tip

A new forend tip normally starts as a square block of ebony, but ultimately we've got to make it round. That's not too tough—if you've got a plan. Let me show you how we turn an ebony square block into a pleasing round shape.

Start by scribing a circle on the end of the tip that is roughly half the diameter of the forend, and an additional line around the outside of the tip that is halfway from top to bottom. I'll add a little chalk so the lines are easier to see.

Filing from line to line gives us about a 45-degree angle. Now divide the remaining space in half again on the tip of the forend and the side.

File down the newly created edges using the scribe lines as a guide. We can then blend everything together with a fine file.

Lastly, keep a template handy to ensure your tip is perfectly round.

So that's how you make a round forend tip from a square block of Ebony. It's not too tough if you've got a plan.

-- Larry Potterfield