I am new to this forum and looking for some tips on the building of arts and crafts columns.  There is an article about drawing the scale of columns in the April/May edition of Fine Homebuilding.  However, I am looking for tips on how old columns in arts and crafts homes were constructed.  I want to build a square column and wall to separate a hall from a livingroom (like on p. 38 of the current issue).  I plan to build the wall and column with fir.  It will be stained and so any imperfections will be tough to hide.  The column will be 8″ wide and a bit over 4′ high.  If any one has ever built or restored a column, I ‘d appreciate any comments and tips on how best to build it.