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

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.

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?

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

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