: According to http://www.cypresswoodworks.com/Sitka_spruce.html and
: http://www.woodbin.com/ref/wood/spruce_sitka.htm and
: http://diadot.com/wood/spruce_sitka.htm sitka spuce has good steam
: bending properties. I have had good success with it.

: The reason they used it for the Spruce Goose was its strength-to-weight ratio
: and its ability to not fracture catastophically when shot with bullets.
: The bullets go right through it without spitting the wood. Most species
: crack and splinter when shot. Douglas fir was stronger and more plentiful,
: but could not handle being shot.

Interesting stuff Mike. In my experience spruce steam bends poorly ( compression fractures ) compared to yellow cedar, yew wood and yellow cedar. If it works for you then use it - can't argue with success.

Check out the following link and note the bending radius for Spruce near the bottom of the webpage