[fordified]

Hello guys and gals. I recently acquired some original top wood pieces that I would like to use for patterns to fabricate my own. I think it is mostly maple. My questions: Is it better to steam and bend the wood, or can I laminate the wood and just cut it with my band saw to shape? Are there any reasons not to laminate? I do not have any experience steaming wood. I will be using ash, or maple. Also, did Henry use hard maple or soft maple in the top and body wood? Thank you in advance, and Happy new year,
Kyle