I am preparing some materials and tools for a calfskin head snare drum project. My first, in fact.

Question: What is the actual dimension of a length of wood flesh hoop? Is it square stock? Obviously the length around the circumference depends on the size of the drum, but how about the width and thickness of the hoop? The two woods I have on hand to use are walnut and poplar. Any thoughts on what the ideal species of wood would be? and which of the two I have on hand would be better?

I have read that you can use a solid brass ring too. (square) I can join a length with my plumbing torch and solder. Do you think this would be any better or worse than using wood?

Another Q: has anyone ever used white glue to glue the skin to the flesh hoop after tucking?

I am assuming that there will be more movement in a calf head than a plastic modern head during tightening do I need to alter the height of the hoop(s) I use to allow for not burying the hoop and having no rim essentially? Follow me on this one? I will be making maple hoops and can control the total thickness, but how much strechyness does the calf actually have? Anybody know what the ideal total height of a finish rim should be?

Thanks guys...design is where it's at for now, building it will be much easier.

Glen