Yes, thicker wood, and especially high oil content wood like EIR, are more prone to cracking along grain lines. Not enough heat, bending too quickly with too much force make it more likely. Once you get a few under your belt it becomes easier to let the wood tell you how much pressure is needed. I find bending over a pipe one of the most enjoyable parts of the build ( most of the time). Certain woods like Maroke just don't cooperate with me.
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BradHall
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