Bocote Dulcimer

Started in earnest on my next build: Bocote sides and bottom with curly maple top ( http://mountaindulcimer.ning.com/photo/albums/bocote-dulcimer ).

Bocote sawdust feels "greasy" so I suspect I will need to wipe it down with naptha before I start gluing. Anybody have any experience working with bocote?

Sides do not seem to want to bend too easily. Should I steam, boil, or use brute force (I don't have a heating iron)?