Print Page - Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?

Title: Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?
Post by: 1oldbowguy on March 04, 2011, 06:04:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?
Post by: 7 Lakes on March 04, 2011, 08:30:00 PM

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.

Title: Re: Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?
Post by: KochNE on March 04, 2011, 08:52:00 PM

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?

Title: Re: Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?
Post by: 1oldbowguy on March 04, 2011, 08:58:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Ok, will sweetgum work in making a bow?
Post by: Goose Gossett on March 04, 2011, 09:10:00 PM

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

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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: 1oldbowguy on March 04, 2011, 06:04:00 PM