Poplar - as in aspen, or its cousin cottonwood, versus what's sold as "tulip
poplar" would be an excellent choice, as it has nicely
interlocked -splinter-free grain. Traditional use here was as the floor of
carts or stoneboats, where something that would dent rather than break was
preferred.

Been using it as vise jaws for a long time now. Also for the wooden jaws on
my original "Masterchuck."

"edward tabachek" wrote in message
...
Excellent advise Bob. Yes, I have had the same cracking problem. I am
going to use basswood and I will give some poplar a try too.
Thanks
Edward