This is posted as some members of my local branch have expressed interest. The technique is one I have evolved for making, for example, candlestick stems from sets of steam-twisted and contrasting woods. This was originally for making sets for wedding presents, hence the particular woods, but works quite well, especially with interspaced coloured veneer layers. This makes rods 18-20 mm in diameter and about 200 mm long (good to taper them a bit for effect) with 180 degree or a bit more twist over the length. See the attachment.