I just started my new oud modelled after Mr Shehata's ouds. The back will be all Walnut. The ribs have been cut and the mold is completed. I will post
pictures as soon as I can figure out how to do that. To form the back strips, i started using a hot pot filled with water over the stove, it actually
works well but my wife was not too pleased. My next option was using a light inside a home depot quart can paint they sell for 1.95 that also worked
good.
My third option which I am now using is a contraption I made modelled afterI an idea I found on the internet that is used for bending guitar sides. It
works the best, using 3 bulbs rated at 150 watts. I close the mold and let it cook for ten minutes when done the rib is a perfect fit
This third option is the best, you can put three ribs and cook them at the same time. This method gives you consistency for all ribs.
I will post pictures of all three contracptions and the oud mold I made and show my progress