Crossword Genius

Steering apparatus made of hard wood (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

helm

'steering apparatus' is the definition.
(as in the helm on a boat)

'hard wood' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'wood' becomes 'elm' (elm is a type of tree).
'h'+'elm'='HELM'

'made of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for helm that I've seen before include "Position of leadership" , "Tiller, steering wheel" , "Steersman's place" , "Tiller; old headgear" , "Ship's steering apparatus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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