Kentucky Coffee Tree

[The Gopher]

has anyone ever tried this for a bow? i was at the university of minnesota arboretum last weekend and saw a few of these, i guess they are native to minnesota. i would be curious to know more about the wood, but i don't think the arboretum would appreciate it if i brought a chainsaw with me next time. thanks,

[mike mcguire]

I have , its not very good for bow wood its about like black walnut

[The Gopher]

thanks mike, that's what i needed to hear.

[Holm-Made]

Would it make pretty vaneers?  Chad

[Springbuck]

Some call black walnut darn good bow wood.

  I have seen and heard of functional bows made from it, and I've seen staves for sale.  If you can get some for sweat equity, I'd try it.

  Think longish, sorta wide-limbed pyramid with skinny tips.  That is where I always start experimenting..

[The Gopher]

I haven't seen any of the cut up wood only the trees. i actually bought some seeds when i was at the landscape arboretum for a quarter. Chad in 50 years i'll donate the trees to you if you make me a bow from them