I had to try it in a solid wood. My brother gave me it a couple years ago, I think it's spalted cherry. I finished it with 321. When I showed it to dad he traded me for the one I did first and put it on his living room wall. My sister already talked me into giving her the first one. I'm sure I'll cut it again. I used cedar for the M again, not sure it is the one to use here. Walnut work better??