black tupelo

[fishfinder401]

i was wondering what experiences people have had with splitting black tupelo/gum. i have heard its very hard, but i have a good amount of straight and brachless tupelos around me, and a stave seasoning now, do it its good, i wan to try tackling a tree i can actually split into staves instead  of a sapling.
thanks
noel

[Eric Krewson]

I was once a serious duck decoy carver and used tupelo extensively. The butt of the tree was soft and light like a soft wood, carved easily and held detail very well.

As one got above the swelled butt of the tree the wood changed to be hard as a rock.

I don't know of any bows made from the wood but have always thought it would be great arrow wood, heavy and hard as nails.

[fishfinder401]

ok, guess its worth trying then, i have a stave almost finished drying