Scroll area wood bending problems

[mandough]

I've gone through two pieces of Maple and still can't get the sides bent right at the scroll area. It seems to be really hard to make that extreme a bend on the heating pipe. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I have been doing wrong?
Should I make that area really thin, would that help? I've tried two pieces already but they both checked in way that I can no longer use the piece.
Any tricks of the trade or techniques would be GREATLY appreciated.
By the way, this is my first wood bending experience. I have done all the other parts well, but just can't get that scroll area!!!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Darryl Wolfe]

If you are getting "flap cracks"..use less water, more heat

[Chris Baird]

Lots of constant backing pressure with shim stock. You can thin it down to about .065" safely.

[sunburst]

Thin the wood, use a bending strap, use plenty of heat.
For the tight bends in the scroll as well as other areas, I usualy have my pipe hot enough to scorch if I'm not careful. Cut some extra side material too because you'll break some.