I want to thank EVERY MEMBER who took the time to check out my design/cutting and reply with comments and advice.
By now I realize that I should have used other woods than BB ply.
As for the type of wood: I am limited to what I can buy at the big home centers. I don't have a table saw (I sold a fairly new one cheap at a garage sale just before I got into Scroll sawing).
I don't have a planer, so I am stuck using finished boards at my local home centers. There are a couple of large lumber stores but they don't carry but 3/4 boards & 1/2 poplar & oak. NO thin boards. I understand I can buy these online.
As for painting vs staining, I am not set up to spray paint in my garage specially being close to my neighbors. I do have a air brush. I will have to make an effort to paint outdoors without a lot of SMELL
If I decide to air brush, do you think I need to seal the BB with before painting?
Thanks again for all the help.
Sam