> Mike, I simply dampen stubborn strips with a wet rag. Give the water a few
> minutes to soak in and the wood becomes very flexible. Clamp or fasten as
> required.

This sounds like a neat approach in combination with another:

Why not wet with a damp rag like you say, and then hit with an clothing iron. The rag keeps the water from running off and the heat helps the bending. Probably have to keep away from dark non colourfast rags!!!

-mike