Just back from the candy store!

Went to my almost local sawmill (100km away). Let's face it there's not many of these original's left, it's been in the same family for 112 years.

They don't mess about, they cut lots of wood. Every time I go there are new piles to explore. I put my hand on a large pile of air drying walnut, to be met with a stern look; "that's not for sale".

Taking in your own log is the way to go, cheapest lumber you will ever get.

They did not have the white oak I wanted in a suitable size so he said "cut you some Ash if you like, the size you want".
One hour later I had the pick of a pile of 2x10 eight feet long. The log was standing dead wood for a while so I'm hopeful it won't take too long to dry. I've painted the ends of course and now weighing sample pieces to track the drying graph.

They had just cut piles of huge almost clear spruce (2x12), just made me salivate!