I just finished a small project working with Ipe for a client. While
most of the troubles I had won't apply to you, I will warn that I will
most likely never use the stuff again. It is by far the hardest,
densest, and foul material I have ever worked with.

Two router bits broken, half a dozen drill bits, and I need to replace
or sharpen every blade that touched the stuff.

Maybe I was doing something wrong, but I don't think so

Andrew