: Thanks for all the responses re the stem. I bought a piece of
: peruvian walnut yesterday, ripped it and applied the strips. It
: is very dark and looks horrible. Im really not sure this color
: of wood is a good contrast to the red cedar. Im going to shape
: it, wet it and step back and take a look.

Walnut's color is much different finished than it is when it's bare wood.

Bill H.