I’m relatively new to woodworking and have so far only worked with big box store pine and poplar. I’ve made a few basic things - a Japanese tool box for finishing supplies (though I cheated on that and used power tools), some smaller boxes to practice dove tails, and my latest is a table top music stand.
I’m going to a lumber yard tomorrow and I’d like to get something affordable to continue learning with that will stain/finish well (the pine has been rather blotchy), and that is a bit more durable than pine. With my music stand I used some half lap joints and initially they fit together well but the shoulders compressed a bit so there are some gaps.
I’m a bit paralyzed with choice. Beech? Maple? White oak? I can’t break the bank but would like a bit of wood to continue working with. Any suggestions?