Originally Posted by
george wilson
When I make the planes of wood,I use boxwood. About rosewood: I don't know which species you refer to,but,for what it's worth,Brazilian rosewood wears pretty rapidly,and is a poor choice for making plane bodies from. I haven't tried East Indian rosewood for planes. From the woods you mention,I'd choose maple if I couldn't get boxwood.
The "Indestructables" reference gives poor information on making a plane,and on making the blade. 200 degrees to temper the plane blade is ridiculous. try 700 degrees. File steel is brittle even when you try softening it.