The pre-bending jig. It is used to put the initial bends in ribs. The jig is made from scrap wood and a belt from Goodwill ($3.99)

We tried bending the first batch of ribs, but determined that they need to soak for a bit longer. One day for kiln-dried wood is not enough. Here are the victims of our first session.

The lone survivor, rib number 2.

We found a part of the construction process that McKinley really likes...steam bending. We decided to complete the ribs and she wanted a major part in the action. Here, she is at the bending jig, waiting for a strip.

We worked through a couple together.

Then she took over bending duty.

I demonstrated how to bend the ribs into place.

She then took over for most of the ribs.

The intense concentration of a 7-year old on a mission.