I have never used shellac. I have used lacquer, varnish, polyurethane -
both oil-based and water, danish oil, tung oil, mineral oil, but never
shellac.

I have read that shellac will bring out the grain and depth of woods
like cherry and walnut when used as a first coat. Is this true? What is
the procedure? Can I/should I do this with cherry cabinets? Can I do it
with water-based poly as the top coats? Is this a good idea?

Thanks,
Harvey