Here's what worked for me.
First, use maple. I know, it's not exotic like mahogony or walnut. But
it's more stable, and it's lighter in color, and takes stain slowly.
Gives you a fighting chance to get that "honey" color, by building up to
it with several thin coats. My Herald has had a solid maple dash for 7
years now without the slightest sign of warping.
Getting the cutouts round? Trace the old dash with a dark pencil. Cut
out with a sabre saw, being careful to stay inside the lines. Finish
with a drum sander (you can get attachments for your drill). Use the
biggest size that will fit within the hole, and a good heavy grit.
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