I had a similar problem. I borke many pieces of wood. Never did get it right. But last week I saw something I think would work.I cant see that the wood type should matter. First cut the shape you want to bend around. Next take the wood you want to bend and slice it in narrow strips what ever it takes to get it flexable enough to bend, then using waterproof glue on the sides of each piece glue it back togeather clamping it to the shape you cut use plenty of clamps and you should probably cut your pieces long and start clamping in the middle. Good luck

Thanks. I'll give that a try. What type of water proof glue would you recommend? It needs to be water proof and be able to take some jolts.