Most lap steels are 6 string. Rondo Music sells a model for maybe under $100, that would be an inexpensive way to see if it works for you. On a Pedal Steel, E9 tuning is the preferred for a single neck, with C6 usually being on the second neck. Most of those are at least 8, but mostly 10 strings with various combinations of pedals and knee levers.

google it theres lots of info on learning, tunings, etc.

Dang....This is addicting.

http://www.reverbnation.com/roberttrippmusic