I am undertaking my first wood working project. I want to put some 1/2"
rounds in the wood with a router. I haven't selected my building material
yet. I am going to paint the finished product. Should I go with 3/4" (good
one side), or a 3/4" pine laminate, or standard wood? Will there be a
significant difference in my ability to cut a 1/2" round (to dress up the
edge)? I've already noticed some tendancy of the router to "walk away" from
knots. I'm thinking the laminate could be difficult to work with. I have
never tried plywood - is it any better?

Thank you,
Chris