I do like the closeness of the grain patterns in that maple, don't see much of it over here.
Gord, on the coping with holes front I just put the speed up as much as possible as soon as it is balanced, this reduces any tendency for the tool to enter the hole if you have a bit too much pressure on because of the shorter reaction time. Bit like driving the car over a rough surface, not enough time for the suspension to respond.