Wood

[Sam172]

After stripping the bark of a eucalyptus tree branch. *note the branch has been cut off the tree*. Is it possible to stop it cracking? Last time I did this, a number of days later the branch had cracks all over it, and deep cracks in it.

[Drewhound]

I imagine it's drying out too fast. You could try keeping it damp or even immersed in water. I don't know why you want to do it but the wood is extermely hard

[doheed]

When drying out staffs for making bows it is best to wrap the tips of the staff in the plastic bags and seal them up - this stops the ends from splitting. You could try drying out your branch in a sealed airtight plastic bag, it will take longer to dry but may stop the splitting, no promises though!