I figured it was time to install the wood inserts, in case they caused any finish cracking or bulging of the wood. These things are great! The have a pilot tip, so they help to square themselves in the hole. The knife threads slice as they drill and you get no bulging as they go down.
Look at the reflection in the finish of picture #1! I'm calling it good on the Tru-Oil finish. I have lost count of the coats but I know it's more than 12. It looks good enough to me and I'm starting to put too much work into it. I have sanded the finish smooth and dull two different times now only to find out that I can't seen to buff it back to the shine it has on an unbroken coat.
I put another shine (Super thin) coat on it this evening after one of these sandings and I may put one more shine coat just before bed. I went with the Tru-Oil to keep this simple so I should stick with that plan. Although it's has it's dips, bubbles, lint.... it still looks darn good.