Hi Don

I have read that Walnut has a tighter bending radius than Ash. I don't remember the source right off so you may want to verify it. I think Cherry also bends nicely but you might want to go with 2 1/8" pcs instead of 1 1/4" piece.

: Since nobody commented on it below, I'll start a new thread.

: I'm ready to replace my rock. I think I'll try bending (steaming?) an edge
: strip, about 1/4 x 3/8", around each blade to protect the tips and
: the edges.

: I'm told Ash works good for bending around a tight radius. But I dont happen
: to have any ash. I have Oak, walnut, cherry, holly, teak, fir, apple,
: bamboo, and maybe some bubinga.

: I dont like the idea of oak, as it turns black where water stained. Teak
: doesnt bond with epoxy, but it probably would bond to polyurethane. I
: guess my top choice would be holly, and next would be cherry. Are either
: of these pliable enough to steam around a 3-1/2" radius with a
: 1/4" thick bend? If I used bamboo, is it tough enough for the edges?

: Or should I bite the bullet and actually spend money to make a paddle? And if
: so, what other good choices are there? Willow? Something dark-colored that
: steam-bends easily?