Hi Joe,
Budget is a huge factor for me so I've tried to source "cheap" wood too.
What I've found (and bought and plan to use) is called Meraply.
I found it at the Building Box (Ontario). It's a mohogany underlay like Luan
BUT! It uses waterproof glue, the inner layer is also mohogany, the face veneers are thicker than those on Luan, and...IT'S GUARANTEED TO BE VOID FREE.
I bent a few 4'x8' sheets at the store in two different directions at once and there was no cracking to be heard. It's quite flexible.
One side is sanded very nice and smooth and has a very attractive grain and colour.
The price? $15 per 4'x8' sheet.
Good enough for the likes of me. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. I'm in the midst of making a scarfing jig just now. Sawdust soon.
Aurel