: I actually thought immediately along the same lines as Chip. Splitting and
: riving the wood will produce nice straight grained wood that you just
: can't get with a saw, especially since you are looking to make narrow
: pieces like ribs.

OK, but I have one question. With sawn rib stock, I was told that it should be vertical grain to reduce the likelihood of splitting. All of the instructions I've seen for splitting wood would result in flat grain rib stock. I'm assuming that this will work, since the split wood follows the grain, correct?

: If you don't have the tools, you can likely pick them up
: for the price you would have paid for sawing.

Good point. This is typically my litmus test for whether to pay for a job or buy the tools. I always prefer the latter, if it makes sense.

: You will produce a lot of
: sweat, but the beer will taste better when you are done.

Well, it's in the 90's and the humidity is way up there, too. I think I'll wait for cooler weather before whacking away at this project.