It is time for me to make a new round of communion sets for people getting ordained in June. My current wood stash is mainly avocado, which is too porous for chalices, even with a poly finish, and sycamore branches - not trunks. There is way too much cracking as they dry.
So because of timing, I need to buy some kiln dried lumber.
The best prices are on birch, poplar, and beech.
A little more expensive - cherry and maple.
Top of the range - walnut.
I do want to buy domestic hardwoods this time around.
What is your preference in straight grained wood varieties, both in workability and beauty?
Thanks in advance.
Brian