Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?

[1oldbowguy]

I haven't seen this answered so I need help.   :confused:    
Will a sweet gum tree make a good stave for a bow?  

[7 Lakes]

Never tried it.  I know gum grows with a tightly interlocking grain and dries out very light.  It may be a hidden jewel for bow wood or backing.  Let us know how it turns out.

[KochNE]

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=000944

Thought I remembered a thread on that.  Turns out he called it "spotted gum" not "sweet gum".  Oh well...pretty bow anyhow.  Not sure how closely related the two woods are?

[1oldbowguy]

Not real sure myself, will do a search and see what I can find out, thanks.

[Goose Gossett]

SWEETGUM SG .52. Diffuse-porous. Good bows have been reported.

SG = weight of mass (in grams) / volume of mass (in cubic cm)

That's what I found on a list that Tim Baker has posted on potential bow woods.  Here are some other examples that should give you a general comparison.  

OAKS: California black .57; southern red .59; northern red, sessil, pin, bur .63; scarlet .67; white .68

OSAGE .82