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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Don Armstrong on June 15, 2011, 10:22:00 AM

Title: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: Don Armstrong on June 15, 2011, 10:22:00 AM

I have this tree laying on the ground. I'm not sure if it would make a good bow or not. Can someone ID this tree. Thanks, Don

 (http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/doninva1/064.jpg)

 (http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/doninva1/063.jpg)

 (http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/doninva1/065.jpg)

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: SEMO_HUNTER on June 15, 2011, 10:56:00 AM

I think it's a Black Gum and I have no idea if it will make good bow wood or not? I'd just try some of it and see how it works.

Here's a link to Black Gum and it's fairly common to Virginia.

 http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=60

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 15, 2011, 12:10:00 PM

If its not willow it will make a bow!

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: Dan Landis on June 15, 2011, 02:45:00 PM

I'll second the black gum, also known as black tupelo.  Never tried it as a bow wood, but know that it is very hard to split.  The TBB lists it as .51 SG so it should work for a lower poundage bow....Dan

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: Don Stokes on June 15, 2011, 03:05:00 PM

Black gum or Tupelo, yep. If it was on high ground it's black gum, if from a swamp it's Tupelo. These species have interlocked grain, so it may not need backing.

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: KellyG on June 15, 2011, 04:01:00 PM

I know one way you can find out if it will make a bow.  :)

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: Don Armstrong on June 15, 2011, 11:55:00 PM

Should I strip the bark like a hickory and seal the ends or leave it on? I will cut and split it tomorrow, as I have some locust, to work on also. The tree was on the top of a hill so it's black gum I guess. Thanks, Don

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: Don Stokes on June 16, 2011, 08:19:00 AM

Bugs love bark.

Title: Re: Can someone ID this tree?
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on June 17, 2011, 09:05:00 PM

Tupelo black gum.