ID this wood?

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Charles_48

New Member
Aug 30, 2015
2
NC
This is the hardest wood to split I've ever run across. Can anybody tell me what it is, so that I may gripe about it accurately. It took me better than a half hour of constant effort, using all tools shown just to chip away a small section, as shown. Thanks in advance.

Hard_to_split.JPG
 
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No wonder. If I'm not mistaken, you've got gum there. :eek: The smooth split texture in the center is indicative of black gum. But sweet gum also sports a chocolate center.

Save your back, my friend. The stuff leaves a ton of ash behind and doesn't burn all that hot anyhow.
 
No wonder. If I'm not mistaken, you've got gum there. :eek: The smooth split texture in the center is indicative of black gum. But sweet gum also sports a chocolate center.

Save your back, my friend. The stuff leaves a ton of ash behind and doesn't burn all that hot anyhow.
Thanks, and thanks!
 
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Yeah, the tree doesnt grow by me but I recognize the interlocking grain. I believe Gum has that unfortunate characteristic.
Oh well....
 
Jags is spot on. Working up gum pretty much requires a hydro splitter. Even with that it can be a challenge. The wood tends to tear and shred. Makes a lot of splitter scraps. Takes a little over a year to season properly. Don't burn it unseasoned. If not bone-dry, gum has a rep for creosote deposit.

Gums grow like weeds in this neck of the woods. Plentiful but no one wants it. Unless you grow mushrooms, that is. It's good for that. :)
 
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