Ok, got it working freely. Found a little nicasil (I'm going to call it) "overspray" in the exhaaust valve cavity of both cyls. Broke several bits grinding it out of there but now it moves freely, can't make it stick. By the way, there was no grinding on the timing edge of the exhaust port (although I was tempted, kind-of mellow port timing as manufactured...).
Pistons are on the rods and I hope to slide it together tomorrow night.

Thank you for your help!!
Mark