Cherry is probably one of the most well know woods. It has been used for many different purposes including some outside of woodworking. It's bark has been used for medicinal purposes, and occasionally for making tonic.
Because of cherry's strength and stability, it is a popular wood for furniture makers, pattern makers, woodturners, musical instruments, professional and medical instruments, and is even used by the printing trade to back electrotypes and zinc etchings.
This popular wood can be found in Midwestern and eastern United States. It's supply isn't highly abundant, and it is primary harvested for high grade lumber where it's attractive color can be displayed. The price of cherry is based on the absence of gum pockets, pin knots, and figure. It's grade is determined by the amount of figure that the wood has. Cherry without any figure is reportedly hard to find.
