Coffee Table wood?

[Trebeck]

Hey all,

Well, I'm going to get ---my bottom--- back into the shop and start a new project.  A pinball coffee table:
http://forum.okcoin-op.com/index.php?topic=1113.0
I'm really not a big woodworking man so I'm not sure about what wood I should look into using.  What would you all recommend for a wood newb?  I was thinking about making a template first then using a better mood for the final version.  Any ideas?

[HaRuMaN]

For a piece of furniture, probably a nice hardwood, maybe an oak?  Stay away from soft wood like pine.

[Trebeck]

This guy was using oak but I wasn't sure if there was a difficulty level with that.  Why is soft wood no good?  Does it bow over time?

[HaRuMaN]

This guy was using oak but I wasn't sure if there was a difficulty level with that.  Why is soft wood no good?  Does it bow over time?

It's very easy to nick, dent, etc.  

For example, you can take your fingernail and press it in to damage pine.

[Trebeck]

Ahhh so it sucks on the wear and tear.  Got it.

[javeryh]

You could always seal it with some poly on top though to give it a harder "shell".  If you are using hardwood, a nice coat of tung oil will really make it pop.

[Trebeck]

Um what I meant to say was
Sweet!

Thanks for the advice. I'll be back with more questions

[HaRuMaN]

So it's a good thing I never play games on it?
* sigh *  Sony used to be awesome...

Wot?