Black gum?

[Don Armstrong]

I ask for an identification on a tree I cut down and everyone settled on black gum. I cut it up and got 3 pieces about 10" X 72". I split one almost in half. This is the toughest wood, bar none, I've ever tried to split. If it will make a decent bow, I'll finish splitting it, but if not we got some fire wood  :D  . Anyone ever tried it for a bow. Thanks, Don

[7 Lakes]

I don't see how you split out a 72" piece much less 3 of them.  It will dry out to be physically light.  Let us know how it works out.

[7 Lakes]

I forgot to add.  The grain is so intertwined that wrapped with iron bands hollow gum trees can be used as a cannon or mortar.

[Don Armstrong]

7 Lakes, I only split one of them in half. You are right on, with the inertwined part. It's like every fiber is attached to every other one. I'm not going to waste any more time, on them, if they won't make a good bow. Don

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Sounds like a good one to saw into boards, if it's that tough it's gotta be pretty darn quick I would think? Make a bow out of it and let us know how it turns out.

[beetlebailey1977]

Give it a go.  I think it can be done.

[okie64]

Never tried black gum but it sounds a lot like elm or hickory with interlocking grain and they both make good bows. I'm anxious to see how it works out for you.

[7 Lakes]

I think Gum has just gotten a bad name with landowners because it has little value, grows quickly and shades out other more profitable trees & multiplies like lifelong non tax payers.  

With that grain so interwoven it may well make an outstanding bow.  It will as light in the hand as Eastern Red Cedar when dry, which may take a while.