Dead Black Locust- pictures added

[Swampman]

Has anyone had good luck making bows from dead black locust?  I have relatives that just bought some land covered in black locust.  There is one large tree that looks like it blew down last summer.  There is a very nice straight log laying down off the ground.  I know white woods would be ruined but I think black locust would still be good.  Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks, Mike

[JonW]

I have used it with good results. Just look out for borers.

[Swampman]

Thanks JonW.  This log looks pretty solid, however some of the living trees show evidence of borers. 

[hunterbob]

Yes me and blackhawk cut some standing dead and one that was on the ground for what looked like years. And I made some bows as did chris.

[Ryan C]

I'm working on one right now from a dead piece the wood seems fine.

[Swampman]

Thanks everyone.  Now I am excited about that log.  It is about a 20 inch log so it should make a lot of bows.

[wizardgoat]

Yup, black locust is one of the few that can be dead standing or on the ground, and still have good wood.

[DuBois]

I had permission to cut BL in the Carlos Avery wildlife preserve since it is considered an invasive species up here. Most of it had some bug damage and I used it for posts and stuff and just left it outside.
I later cut up most of those for firewood and it sure seemed solid and pretty. I just didn't trust the wood for the bugs but I did get a few good staves.

[Swampman]

I finally made it out to cut up the dead black locust tree.  I ended up with a lot of good looking stave.  I think I will get at 24 bows from all of this.

[Hrothgar]

Black locust is great to work with; from here I can't see any of those dreaded tunnels.

[Stixnstones]

Nice haul

[Swampman]

Black locust is great to work with; from here I can't see any of those dreaded tunnels.

No tunnels.  This is all solid wood.  I was pleasantly surprised.

[George Tsoukalas]

Good find! Jawge