I'm thinking about replacing some of my smaller planes (a block plane and a late-model #4) with something a little nicer. They work fine, but my copies dull pretty fast and always seem to be coming unscrewed in every way that a plane can come unscrewed.
Mostly I just need a new project.
With that out of the way - I'd really like to build myself some wood-bodied planes of similar sizes to replace (or live alongside) my current junkers.
I'm wondering:
What wood species would be a good choice? I'd like to get something locally (michigan) as I'm not terribly hip on exotic hardwoods.
I could easily lay hands on Hard Maple, Red or White Oak, Walnut, Cherry.
I could probably get (with perhaps more difficulty/expense) Osage Orange, Hornbeam, Black Locust.
I'd prefer not to use a separate wood for the sole. If I was going to do that I'd probably just buy enough for the whole deal (It's just two little planes after all)
Should I treat the wood in any special way? I seem to recall some more out-there sounding descriptions of soaking wood plane bodies in linseed oil until they had absorbed as much as they could.
What kind of glue is preferred? I'm sure it depends on wood species, but generally speaking - PU? Titebond-ish? epoxy?
Anything I didn't think of? I've never used/owned a wood-bodied plane before (part of the reason I want to make some).
As for specific designs/plans, I've seen plenty floating around so I suspect I can find something that fits my needs/abilities.