What type of wood did you use for the outer stems? I have read that oak doesn't epoxy all that well (anyone have experience?). I have some cherry left over from some other projects. Anyone ever use that? Ash would probably be stronger and easier to bend, but I don't have any of that on hand right now.

I saw in the Hamilton Marine catalog there was brass and stainless steel half round rub strips. Aside from the weight, a narrow piece of brass might not look too bad (expensive though).

: Don't bother -- the staples holes add character!

: I used (4) 1/8" strips for my outer stem. It was easy to laminate on and
: shape.

: Dean