Yes I'm using blocks (most of the time) to push on them, and it is mostly quartered (even a silky band). In fact the worst cupping, plus wawes I ever saw was on a pair of Madagascar sides that were perfectly quartered across the width (bunch of silk showing). They were also 1.8mm thick. Strangely on average I think I get much less cupping when the wood is thicker (2-2.1mm) although this time I went thin again because it was ebony (definitively not the easiest bends as I've seen with binding strips) and also because it is so heavy. It much easier to plane the weight off than sanding the guitar. I am actually thinking about making the second side 2mm and give it a try. If it breaks...oh well dark wood makes invisible repairs
