Bob:
I think you and Patriarch are confirming my suspicion. I guess I have led a
sheltered woodworker's life. Most of my experience has been with Walnut,
Oaks, Ash, Cherry and a little bit of Bubinga. The Hard Maple machines well
but the sanding process threw up a flag - this stuff is going to be a
staining problem.

I think I will stain the oak and walnut on the bench; and finish the maple
natural before assembly. Experimenting with samples starts tomorrow
morning.

Thanks
RonB