Rob,
If you want to use SS bands, look at Band-it Corporation, especially the Band & Buckle system. I have worked with this company's offering all my life. I also work for a company that sells the product line. If you need specific info, let me know.

Larry C.

: 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