: Bill- We obviously haven't met. Most that know me would laugh if
: you tried to use the term "artistic" to describe
: anything about me:).... It's a darn curse being too analytical,
: and not creative enough. I'm trying though; and it certainly
: helps to this communication. I'm not at all against modifying
: the stem shape. The worst it would do is hide some of those ugly
: spots I made:)! I'm praying for miracle's with the external stem
: and that it will be the savior for my "hack"
: woodworking skills......

The only advantage to the external stem for this is you have to cut back the ends of the strips to make room for the stem, so that can remove some mistakes.

Bill H.