Perhaps I can tap this brain trust for inspiration.

Before the crash, I was planning on installing a jacuzzi
style tub with jets for our bathroom makeover. The old
claw foot iron tub was nice but cooled off the hot water
so badly we would have to install a larger water heater to use it.

Since I now have more time than money, plan B is to build a single
person wooden hot/soaking tub for the bathroom.

Now my wife says she always hated those jacuzzi tubs but went along
with me because I said that's what I wanted.

She said she always wanted a japanese style deep soaking tub.

The traditional Japanese "Ofuro" soaking tub is rectangular and on the surface
seems an easier build, but since there can be no gluing, the jointery is critical.
I have not been able to find any information on how they go together but I would
reconsider a ofuro if I could.

So, I'm planning on building a northern white cedar barrel, traditional hot/soaking tub.
Simple tub, without water jets, just a drain hole. I can figure out the woodworking and
water tight problems and I like the round shape.

The bands that hold the barrel stays together are the problem to solve.

Understandably, the commercial companies don't offer parts or I haven't found one that did
so buying the stainless bands they use is not easy, and if I can come up with an elegant
less expensive alternative, that would be a plus.

I will use windlass or ratcheting straps to assemble the tub but I would not want to
leave them in place as a permanent solution.

I have a few ideas but would welcome yours.

All the best,
Rob