This is probably a problem for everyone but thought I'd post something. Where on earth can I come up with stock for making a jack plane in the traditional style with a 2 1/8" wide iron? I understand Beech is incredibly difficult to find due to the lack of demand for it but even finding some straight grained maple thick enough has been very difficult for me. I can always laminate some pieces together but REALLY would rather not do this.
This afternoon after work I stopped at my favorite antique tool shop and they happened to have a iron set that is a really good candidate for making me a traditional style jack plane. The back of the blade will require very little work to tune it up and the chipbreaker is in great shape. So if Dave W. is reading this I appreciate your offers but I think I found the iron set I'm looking for, thanks for the suggestion of looking at irons at least 2 1/8" wide.
I would really appreciate someone pointing me in the right direction for some thick stock.