There was an article on steaming in last month's issue of Wooden Boat... you may still be able to get a copy. I've had mixed success steam bending. The main thing is to bend along the edge grain (parallel lines). The wood may split-out if you try to bend along flat grain (cathedral-shaped lines). I also soak the wood overnight and then steam 20 to 40 minutes. I use a regular tea kettle hooked up to a PVC pipe; corked with a dish towel. I'll attach a picture of my steamer and some Walnut I bent with it.

I haven't tried to bend Oak (or SOF ribs for that matter). I guess I would just keep trying different things.

Chip

http://www.ChipSandresky.com