My wood of choice are Cherry, walnut, Maple, Poplar and basswood. But I also use Baltic birch and any combination of 1/4 plywood for backers, and also to make ornaments. I feel very lucky because most of the wood I use comes from the scraps of a furniture maker here in Vermont. The only wood I have purchased in the past 3 years is Baltic birch. My wife keeps telling me to stop bringing more wood in but I can't help myself! Right now I should have plenty of wood for the next five years or so!