Ohhhhh I hear that!! Especially exotics! Some can be very "difficult" and try your patience to no end. Most American hardwoods are much easier to cut. I use a surgical scalpel, veneer saw, a good straight edge and a chisel if the pieces are small enough. A couple, three passes with the scalpel is usually enough, a light sanding with 320 or there abouts to square up the edges. If that don't get it perfect, a little wood filler, tint and artists pencils get it to the point where you have to be looking for boo-boo's to find em. Not to mention any number of jigs to make the job easier....
Anything thicker than veneers, think 3D cutting boards and its jig city.... :grin: