[Woodcarver] Black Gum (Tupelo)

[Ron Ramsey]

I've carved several pieces from blocks of tupelo that I purchased from  
a carving wood supplier.  It was recommended to me by one of the  
leading raptor carvers. It is very resilient when sanded very thin.   
That makes it good for feathers that extend out from the end of a  
wing.  It can be sanded thin enough, when working parallel to the  
grain,  to see light through it and still have enough strength.  It's  
soft, carves easily and takes detail well when carved with power  
tools.  It does not carve well with hand tools because the grain tends  
to crush rather than slice.  It is one of the most popular woods used  
by leading bird carvers.

Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com

Be sure to look at the incredible nature inspired art jewelry hand  
fabricated by my wife, Karen Olsen Ramsey.  It's worth the time to  
take a look!
http://www.artjeweler.com