I am building an Acey Deucy (similar to the Baby Ace). My boy and I are currently building ribs. I'll be ready to attach the right wing's ribs to their spars within several weeks. By the time I begin the left wing, a year may pass, since I'll have to spend a fair amount of time working on steel fittings, aileron, etc.

My question is whether I should prepare the left wing's spars now, or wait. My spar lumber (from Edensaw in Port Townsend, WA) will require planing and trimming. Once machined, I worry about excessive drying of the wood if a year should pass before building the left wing. Once built, I will coat the wing wood with varnish. Until then, the wood will be stored in my unheated garage.

Should I apply a light coat of varnish to the unused wood spar in order to forestall excessive drying? Or leave the spruce untouched until ready for use?

Thanks for any suggestions.