When all else fails read the directions. Most of the big box stores don't have many truly knowledgeable people available to help customers. Should you be lucky enough to have a local woodworking specialty or paint store I'd try there first in the future.
Also, if you decide that you'd like to build something later for staining, the urethane clear is perfect. Wood wise poplar is very easy to work and takes stain very well. It is often used as a substitute for cherry (see Kincaid Furniture - they always refer to their furniture as being solid wood and the finish as cherry or whatever but never solid cherry wood...and it looks pretty good).
http://www.kincaidfurniture.com/collection_detail.cfm?cid=169
Other traditional and not so traditional hardwoods (oak, walnut, cherry and teak or rosewood) all have their own little idiosyncrasies that are worth getting familiar with before you buy a piece but they all make beautiful furniture. Just remember:
1. Measure twice, then measure again, then cut.
2. Nails are for framing houses, joinery, screws and glue
are for building furniture.
3. PPPPPPP - Proper Prior Planning Prevents **** Poor Performance
4. Safety is no joke. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life winkin' at everybody, wear safety glasses...always. My best friend is a one eyed plumber who puts 'em on when he leaves the house and doesn't take 'em off 'tll he gets home. He figures he can't afford another mistake. Also, wood dust and chemical fumes can hurt worse than crack, so wear a mask designed for the job (see read directions above).
Try to take your time even though it's running out.
Also, if you decide that you'd like to build something later for staining, the urethane clear is perfect. Wood wise poplar is very easy to work and takes stain very well. It is often used as a substitute for cherry (see Kincaid Furniture - they always refer to their furniture as being solid wood and the finish as cherry or whatever but never solid cherry wood...and it looks pretty good).
http://www.kincaidfurniture.com/collection_detail.cfm?cid=169
Other traditional and not so traditional hardwoods (oak, walnut, cherry and teak or rosewood) all have their own little idiosyncrasies that are worth getting familiar with before you buy a piece but they all make beautiful furniture. Just remember:
1. Measure twice, then measure again, then cut.
2. Nails are for framing houses, joinery, screws and glue
are for building furniture.
3. PPPPPPP - Proper Prior Planning Prevents **** Poor Performance
4. Safety is no joke. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life winkin' at everybody, wear safety glasses...always. My best friend is a one eyed plumber who puts 'em on when he leaves the house and doesn't take 'em off 'tll he gets home. He figures he can't afford another mistake. Also, wood dust and chemical fumes can hurt worse than crack, so wear a mask designed for the job (see read directions above).
Try to take your time even though it's running out.
