I work in a hardwood mill. Consider using quarter-sawn white oak. You will love the grain appearance, and because it is quarter-sawn, it will never warp or cup. If you really want to knock some socks off, try using Lyptus. This is a hybred euclyptus grown by Weyerhauser in South America. It is harder thank hickory, very dense and looks like mahogany!! Just some ideas!!
