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On 10 Nov 2005 20:08:38 -0800, wrote:

I am building a geodesic Snowshoe 14. I am having a hard time finding
green ash or white oak for the ribs. Can I steambend and use the pine
I have left over from making the stringers?

I can get red oak. Would this be any better than pine for the ribs?

If these won't work, can anyone recommend an online source for the ash
or white oak that will not cost a fortune to ship?

Hardwood - oak, ash is stronger and heavier than softwoods.
Substituting soft for hard is weakening. And a 10% size allowance
may not cut it.

But on the subject of wood bending - I should remind you that a soak
in water with ammonia renders wood into spaghetti.
Some folks feel it also robs wood of strength. But you could at least
try.

Brian Whatcott