Since my enquiry for help regarding parts [070113 MMDigest], I have
had some very helpful responses from a number of people, who I have
thanked individually.  This leads on to what John Farmer was saying
about accumulation of expertise.  Of course, the MMD Archives are
a gold mine of knowledge, and I am always delving into it.

However, whilst I can get plans, drawings, personal advice, etc.,
actually sourcing the timbers, metals, etc., is quite another matter.
I live in France, and a search of the local net produces no help
whatsoever in relation to sources of the woods I need.

I have finally found a very helpful chap in UK.  I have given him my
list and he is sourcing it.  He comments in relation to poplar wood
in that their stock, generally, is taken down to 11% moisture content.
He is happy to go down to 5%, as recommended, but obviously I will
have to wait another three weeks for it.  I can cope with that.
But, I would be glad of comments from people who know more about this
than me.
 
Also, I have to find brass sheet.  There just has to be a local source,
but finding it is a nightmare!
 
If I decide to make my own unit valves, then I need all the non-wood
components as well.  It would seem that I would have to source these
from USA, but then I have pay VAT and Import Duty as well, making it
a very expensive proposition.  Again, there has to be a supplier in
Europe.

What I am getting around to saying is that there should be a global
directory for all these things, and if we all contributed what we know,
then we are half way there.

I had an email chat with a guy in New Zealand the other day.  He is
even worse off than I am in terms of getting hold of stuff.

Best wishes,
Nigel Perry
France