I built a humidor out of BE maple, and the suggestions above were
helpful, also if the stock will allow it try running the board
through the planer at a slight angle, and take shallow passes. I was
working with the small eye stuff and even though I did all of the
above I still had small dimples, only noticeable at a steep angle or
running your hand over it. After 4- 5 coats of finish, they were not
noticeable.
I love the look of BE maple especially with a contrasting wood like
ebony.
Mike