Question Author
Thank's Builder, as usual some good ideas and advice for me to consider!.
It's a 5ft piece of new, oak sleeper I'm working on, to go above a wood burning stove.
It has a wainy edge on one side where the bark once was, which I've decided to retain as a feature.
I know what you mean, now about "less is more, so easy to get carried away and do too much!
I've got as far as sanding it down to take out the modern saw marks, spoke shaved the edges and corners, prior to sanding, to simulate wear, and I must admit, it's looking good.
I've tried a few, test areas underneath and will probably go down the lime route to bring out the grain.
Thank's again-
Chip