How i ebonized my wood:

1) pour 4 bottles of vinegar into a plastic tub.
2) i used 4 rolls of steel wool (easily bought at Robert Dyas)
3) My pieces of oak, i then fully covered in the vinegar solution.
4) Place the lid ontop so that all the air stays inside.
5) Let soak overnight.
6) Take wood out and lay on paper towels to dry. Wood will smell like vinegar for a few days, but smell fades eventually!