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The more coarse "cobblestone" texture to Ebony Star laminate reduces friction between it and the teflon pads. It's also more expensive than stock laminates. GSO just uses the same (cheap stock) laminate surface for the baseboard in contact with the teflon pads as is used on all the board surfaces. This cheap stock laminate is fine in texture, almost totally smooth. And this creates a suction-like cohesion that stiffens the az motion. Like applying two pieces of polished glass together, they stick.
Ebony Star is just one of several lines sold by Wilson Art with this more coarse cobblestone texture which is ideal for az bearing surface material. This coarseness serves to prevent any cohesion with the teflon pads.
At least, that's how I recall it explained to me...
There are many comparable lines of laminate, but Ebony Star is the common name tossed around and every knows what you mean when you say that. In fact, any comparable texture line will work. At the Wilson Art website, if you scan their offerings, you'll see Ebony Star has the "90" texture. That's the magic number. Any Wilson Art laminate with a "90" finish will be identical in feel to Ebony Star for the purpose of this application. Some folks prefer hot pink laminate....not the black ebony star...
It comes as a thin sheet of material several mm thick - don't know for sure, maybe 3mm? You glue a solid sheet onto the baseboard and this surface floats on the three teflon pads mounted on the bottom board - also called the ground board I think. The trick is getting it glued on securely. That's where I'm at now, trying to a) find some at reasonable price b) have it cut to fit my baseboard, and c) getting it glued on in a suitable and durable fashion. And I'm half a world away from my meager workshop in the U.S.!
Cheers
Scott
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