You can start with any wood, although some are easier than others don't be frightened to try them all.
Drill some offcuts and stick on your tubes, use slimline tubes and put on singularly between centres straight into the tubes, no bushes needed but care with the tools.
If you feel insecure doing that then make some sacrificial jam chucks to fit.
When you can turn blanks down to fit a slimline you can do any pen trust me.
If you don't like what you have done continue turning to the tube and reuse it, practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.
