I just viewed another build site where the builder spent a lot of time building a steamer to preform the capstrips for the ribs. It seems to be a common theme for rib building.

When I fit the top capstrip into my Clark Y airfoil rib jig I found that it bent quite nicely along the curve without steaming and preforming. After gluing on the gussets, the rib kept it's shape. Go figure! I'm hoping the glue will hold and the ribs won't spring apart before I get the fabric stitched on

When I did some research I found that wood bends quite easily to a point without steaming. In addition, steaming weakens the wood. The wing bow, leading edge plywood and stringers are all good examples of bending wood without steaming.

To steam or not to steam? That is the question.