Tree I.D. Need Help

[BowJunkie]

Got these for the use of my chainsaw and a little bit of labor.
Neighbor's tree blew over last night. 
You got to love spring time storm damage.
What kind is it? and will it make decent bows?

[beetlebailey1977]

I would say that is china berry it is in the mahogony family.

[BowJunkie]

Here is a pic of the growth rings

[BowJunkie]

Sorry about the double post on the growth rings guys

[beetlebailey1977]

Yes it can graw very fast...Some say the wood is no good for a bow.  I made bows out of it when I was a little fellow.  But that was a long time ago and the bows were much to be desired although they did shoot an arrow.

[ken75]

bowjunkie , i cut one to try and couldnt get it to split right . the split runs out to nothing on the other end . you might try cutting some saw kerfs on opposite sides before splitting to keep it true. as far as the wood being bow worthy i never got to try it ,lookin forward to hearing how it does.

[Pat B]

Someone a few years ago posted a chinaberry bow here on PA.  I always thought it grew too straight be be good bow wood! 

[Del the cat]

... I always thought it grew too straight be be good bow wood! 

oh, that's a good 'un. You made me splurt my tea over the keyboard....
Del

[Rick Wallace]

China berry is correct. I have a few around here,,the berrys are good to shoot out the slingshot! dont know about bow wood,,,

[crooketarrow]

   Try spliting if it splits like KEN says use a saw.

[hillbilly61]

You could always rip a few pieces and make a backed board bow Don't look like you could get much for quartersawn from it

[tombo]

I sure would like to see if it makes a good bow 'cause it doesn't make a good yard tree!  Tom

[BowJunkie]

Well after some research on Chinaberry,, I have found it is Highly toxic.  Most research says that one should use gloves and a respirator when cutting or sanding this wood.
So with that said... hmmmm what to do

[hillbilly61]

Get a friend you don't like very much to cut it for ya   Or not

[osage outlaw]

I don't know if I would risk my health over a tree that might be sub par for bows