After planing that slab cutting board for my friend (about 16" x 3" x 30"--not something for a machine planer or jointer that most people have), I have found that I *really* love the ergonomics of chinese planes.
However, Mujingfang HK planes no longer seem available in the US (due to CITES restrictions on rosewood). The HNT Gordon looks pretty nice, but pricy.
Meanwhile, I've been spoilt with the superlative blades recommended/bought through Stan.
Oh, and I just happen to have too much flamed rock maple from my workbench build...and a few rosewood fretboards.
I've started this thread since I'm pretty sure that I don't know what I'm doing.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I plan to do:
1. Plane Iron- 48 mm Ogata Hideji white steel from Iida tools (ebay)
2. Plane body- Flamed rock maple laminated to rosewood sole. I plan to chop out the dai.
Crossbar-- probably flamed maple to match.
3. Role-- Try plane. I'll be copying the HNT Gordon try plane roughly.
4. Uses-- flattening panels. Jointing soundboards. Maybe thicknessing some guitar wood (spruce, cedar, mahogany, port orford cypress, maple)
My questions-- should I get a matching chipbreaker? I have hida tool nearby.
What angle is recommended? I plan to use this plane mainly on north American wood
I'd also appreciate any measurements that can be provided.
Otherwise, I'll likely eyeball pictures off the internet.
If this works out well, I may make a few more (smoother, jointer).......and yes, I know that I'm spending silly money and time on a plane that technically can be bought for less than the price of my blade from mujingfang...
As a Chinese guy, I'd sort of like to get closer to my heritage...but with better blades and fit and finish.
Sorry for the late night rant. Got too excited about making a nice tool.