Is it hardwood or sapwood

[Henrik]

Hey all

I'm currently working a bit on a Black Locust stave and I am wondering about the three distinct shades in the wood.

Now I assume the white outer layer (1/4 inch) is the sapwood, and the dark inner core is the hardwood. But there is a layer (1/2 inch) in the middle that is lighter than the hardwood. and the rings are a bit denser then in the dark wood.

Should I remove this middle layer when I take off the sapwood, or is this ok to keep on the back?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Hardwood is just a description, like conifer. You have sapwood and heartwood.

[Henrik]

Sorry still a newbie in this hobby, and English is only my second language

Heartwood it is then

[Bevan R.]

It could be a growing condition affecting the coloration. I would take the sapwood off then look REAL close at the odd colored part. If it is soft or you have any concerns, take it off.

[toomanyknots]

I come across this all the time in osage. It usually splits easily in the darker rings in the middle too. I have always been curious about that too. I have wondered sometimes if it had to do with the growing conditions for those couple years that made it so dark?