ID this wood?

[Charles_48]

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.

 

[Fred Wright]

No wonder. If I'm not mistaken, you've got gum there. 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.

 

[Charles_48]

No wonder. If I'm not mistaken, you've got gum there. 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!

 

[Applesister]

Yeah, the tree doesnt grow by me but I recognize the interlocking grain. I believe Gum has that unfortunate characteristic.
Oh well....

 

[Jags]

When a monster maul bounces, its time to move up to hydraulics.

 

[Fred Wright]

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.