Some good input there Mikup and GTR34 I am pretty much commited to the step and the ducted rake - made some good prgress this weekend. The hull is carved foam with cedar strips covering the bottom and sides, I think I overkilled the thickness of the strips so it is going to require a LOT of sanding. strted with 1/4" thick by about 1 1/4". I will try and get some pics tonight and post tomorrow. I plan to cover the top with maple veneer. This being the recycled woody. Foam - neigbors trash - covert opp on my way to work, cedar - front porch 2 x 6 that was replaced ripped down to 1/4" strips, and the veneer left over from my fireplace mantle. so far only the gorilla glue and about 8 hours invested.