Whipped out a couple of chunks of the white spruce (Picea glauca) today. You'll recognize it as your common construction lumber, except these were some substantial chunks I got, unfortunately, after he split 'em, so they're about 12" x 5" pieces.
Cuts a treat when wet, but get the cut a bit too broad or the edge up instead of across the grain, and it's nothing but a torn mess. Got one at about 1/4" to warp into shape, one at 3/4" or so to try and dry down for circular. Overall cuts friendlier than tamarack or red pine, especially as it has less resin, and shows translucent at ~1/4 " on its own. Imagine If I oil soaked it it might look like those Norfolk Island pine jobbies you see in the magazines.
I have two more chunks, and wonder if anyone has drying experience with it. This is a mixed bag for free moisture, as it was dropped last winter, and the side toward the ground is soaked, the side up is light as a feather and dry to the touch. Which, by the way, makes for some thrilling vibes when the piece is half/half, you can bet. Bound moisture ought to be about full.
For those who haven't tried it, I just can't see where trying to hold it in compression on a chuck is anything but a recipe for disaster. Too soft and crumbly. I use dovetail recesses, so was able to hold without crushing after my first spigot experiment failed. Even the tailstock keeps digging in if I tighten it too much! Probably won't be a factor when dry.
One other very positive outcome - SWMBO says "it sure smells better than that piss elm you were turning last week." And it does.