: We're using a combination of ash and cherry on the Rob Roy, and the cherry
: looks great. The softer woods will conform to the curves easier, but
: making a simple steam box would allow you to use just about any type of
: wood you want. At 1/8" thick by 1"~1.5" wide, both the ash
: and cherry bent easily when steamed for about 20 minutes.

: Jeff

Hi Aimee

As my Fine friend Jeff has mentioned, cherry looks great and bends easily after steaming. Making a steaming box absolutely simple, be sure to incline the tube ~30d so the steam travels up through the strips and out through a small opening at the top. Use an electric steam kettle from the thrift store for the steam source. Devise a rack inside the box to elevate the strips so they are steamed from all sides. I think Jeff pretty well covered the rest.

Charley Dean, Carson City, Nv