After reading this post, I decided to contact a coworker to see if he could lend any info. He is trying to get wood product manufacturers here in NC to make use of underutilized species (Beech, Tupilo, Wormy Maple, Sweet Gum, etc.) that can save them $$$. I can't explain how they make it selling this stuff so cheap considering all of the energy that goes into producing the lumber, but I do know that it has something to do with the way that they purchase the wood from a landowner (again we're talking big producers). They do take a loss on this stuff, but in the end they must be doing something right. :eusa_thin
Below is Harry's response on species characteristics:
Black gum/tupelo and sweet gum are two of the lesser species that offers
opportunity when properly sawmilled and dried for economy in woodworking.
Both woods now are mainly sent to the pallet mills.
Black gum and tupelo are considered the same wood in the industry. Tupelo
grows in the southern swamps while black gum is its upland cousin. Both
are medium density diffuse hardwoods. Both have interlocking grain and
are difficult to dry.
To dry these woods properly one should use sticks one foot apart, pack
only one length of lumber to a pack (do not mix 10' with 11' or 12',
etc.), use pack pile supports every 2' (boolsters), dry these woods in a
dry kiln directly from the sawmill green and place heavy weights on top of
the pack.
When trying to use these woods for cabinets and furniture, be aware about
10% may warp beyond use for medium and long lengths. Warped boards can be
cut into short lengths for short parts, then face planed to square up.
Good drying practices as mentioned can eliminate warp below 10%.
The gums are capable to be used in exterior applications in furniture and
cabinets. Both woods have a range of wood color that can be matched to a
user's needs. The gums were heavily used in turnings for chairs and lower
priced furniture as they can be stained in a wide variety of colors and
show little grain that would conflict with more expensive species.
Tupelo/black gum has a cream to white colored sapwood with an off white
heartwood. Sweet gum has a light tan colored sapwood and a range of
heartwood from brown to red. Sweet gum can act as a substitute of cherry
and when green, the sapwood can be steamed and will turn a slight cherry
color. Both woods often have worm holes with flags from ambrosia beetles.
Since both woods are somewhat soft, one has to be careful applying stains
directly as they soak in quick. It may be better to tint a coat of sealer
that will give a good even color and is much easier to apply than a stain.
Both woods can be finished in a natural finish or stained with care. Be
sure to work out your finishing on scrap wood ahead of time.
Best of luck!
Harry Watt
NCSU Wood Products Extension
Harry is a consultant to wood products manufacturers. He is out of Statesville, NC and has a wealth of knowledge and contacts. Just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone interested.
Mike
