The wood is cut into thin strips and the ends are tapered.
All of the strips are then soaked in hot water for a few minutes (bathtub works) and placed into the form. They set overnight and take on a curved shape. This makes them easier to work with when they are glued in the next step.
After drying overnight three strips are coated with waterproof glue. Oil is applied to the form to prevent the hoop from sticking to the form.
The strips are placed into the form. Pressure blocks and clamps are used to hold the strips to the shape of the form.
The glue is allowed to dry for 12 hours.
A lot of glue is squeezed out. Much of it dries on the surface.
After 12 hours the clamps are removed and the hoop is separated from the form.
A rough hoop emerges with un-even edges and dried glue. It will be smoothed with a hand plane and finished with sandpaper.
Three coats of oil finish are applied 12 hours apart to protect the wood from water damage.
I made four hoops which required about 3 hours of work each on average. Add 4 hours to make the form and we have about 16 hours invested.
Of the seven hoops shown here three are made of cherry and the others are oak.