: Most (practically all) people use 1/4 for the entire rib. This is
: one of Cunningham's ideas that he published but has no reason
: for doing. You will find more.

Uh oh - could you give more examples? I've built 2 s&g's, 2 strippers, and in my pre-construction research for those could generally find opposing viewpoints at nearly every step of the process. I was hoping to just use one book for my first SOF, and not really open the whole thing up for debate, but maybe I should soften my stance. I would certainly like to switch to a 5/16" rib, thinned to fit a 1/4" mortise.

: For most people, oak and ash are the most accessible woods. If I
: had unlimited selection I would probably try some of the cedars
: that only people in the Pac NW have available. I live in
: Vermont, however, so oak it it.

I live in Vermont too (Burlington), but haven't located a source for green (bending) wood just yet. There are some mills I can check out. I have some KD ash and oak on hand, and some air-dried cherry, that I thought I'd try first. In any case, it sounds like I might as well stick with hardwood.

: If you use white cedar, however,
: you will probably want to make them wider as they are not as
: strong as hardwood (which might negate any weight savings).
: Morris uses white cedar and makes his ribs 1.5inches wide.