Thank for your interest. I haven't given up yet
there are still a number of issues I plan to experiment with (see below)
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: Don't get disouraged. Last year, I had zero breakage after I started using a
: pre-bending jig. This year, I broke 5 out of 16 using a more sophisticated
: jig. Remember, you're dealing with WOOD, which is not a uniform material.
: Sometimes it bends effortlessly, other time it's a struggle. It may not be
: you that's making the difference, so try to relax and analyze the
: situation methodically.

: - What kind of breaks were you getting?

They are pretty consistently in the curved section, despite the fact that I do a "prebend" using Cunningham's bending jig. I realize I am trying for a pretty steep bend (want a relatively flat bottom) but the degree of bend is still less than the 3" radius on Cunningham's jig

: - Could the breaks be due to grain orientation?

I am sure that is part of it. The particular boards I was using, yielded more slats/strips by using a flat grain orientation versus a quarter grain. After my first successful attempt (3 out of 3) I thought I was in a "go" situation to continue with this approach. Wrong. I will go back and try quarter sawn grain orientation. I still have enough wood left.

: - Are you supporting the wood on both sides while bending (form and bending
: strap)?

I use the prebending jig and then try to fit the rib free hand into the mortises. That is obviously when the problems occur. Using a bending form (similar to that on your web site) will be one of my next experiments. I don't want to make individual forms ( a la Mark Starr) so I will try an adjustable form approach first.

: - Are you trying to bend too fast?

Don't think so. Have tried different speeds with different ribs

: - How long are you steaming?

First three were about 20 minutes, then went to 25 then tried 15. So after my first successful approach I went both longer and shorter in time.

: - Are you getting sufficient steam output from your steam generator?

Borrowed Liz Leedham's "Lee Valley" kettle. Works great. Lots of steam
one concern was that I was steaming too long. That's why I reduced time to 15 minutes.

: The answer is there and you will find it.

It is definitely a "journey" you have to keep telling yourself. It is that feeling of satisfaction when you succeed that makes it all worthwhile (not to mention the fun of actually paddling the boat)

thanks for your support
Frank

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Rib breakage is frustrating, but in
: the end, no one marvelling at your boat will ever know how many ribs you
: broke in making it or that it took you an extra day or two to sort things
: out.