Help with tree id

[Carl Cocchiarella]

Hi all, Im a newbie wood carver (spoons and Kuksas a specialty). I found a very large downed tree on Long island...hit by lightning. (the tree, not me) I brought a chunk home...maybe maple...hoping for maple.

I have enclosed some photos. Any id help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Carl Cocchiarella]

PS. I shaved the bark and cambium(?), the underlying wood is very very light yellow...almost white.

 

[oldoakman]

Looks to be Norway Maple to me. Not the hardest of maples. Should work ok for you. If you can find Sugar Maple, it will be harder. Welcome to the Buzz, What part of L. I.

 

[RopeShield]

Looks like basswood. Carl. Soft and light basswood hard and heavy Sugar