Since writing the last article I have been given some beams from a barn known to be about 250 years old. The wood is obviously not spruce from the high Alps, more likely pine, and when cleaned up and the end grain assessed I will get it sawn and make a front or two from it and see how they play.

I am also looking for some well seasoned 3 or 4 year old spruce. If any knows of such a source, please let me know.