Your Talent on the Scroll Saw is Outstanding. Great set of Plaques.
Just a Feeling thing....I started out using the Oak Ply. many years ago
for Portraits. Thought to myself (then) Wow! Look at that Super looking Grain.
Well I stopped using it because of that. Interferes with some of cut cut outs.
Basically I Love to use Hard Wood, but like most here good ole BALTIC BIRCH
would be my choice for portraits. Also my 2 cents again. Like using 1/8" for most
all projects that need a backer. Anyway this is just my 13 cents worth. LOL :+}