re: Preparing the Laminates

Learning experiences can be painful Ian, but I see other laminations in your future where you can use your new found knowledge from this project, perhaps as early as leg #2. I wish I had that drum sander or at least one like it in my shop!

I think maybe a long in-feed table and out-feed table for your bandsaw would have been a great help with those heavy timbers, although i realise that shop space may not permit it. Anyway I hope that you can take some small comfort in the fact that your fellow woodworkers are getting the benefits of your experience!