RonB wrote:

Now I know why they call it "hard" maple.

If I'm using hard maple (sadly rarely in the UK) I just try to achieve
the best possible sanded finish, then wax it. No oils, as I don't want
to risk discolouration in the future. If there's particularly good
chattoyance or figure then I might oil it first, but that's only as a
soak-in, not a surface film.