I agree with you Tom. I've built several planes of this style and a parting tool on a lathe makes quick work of the job. I turn the ends just slightly oversized and use a plug cutter cranked on by hand to do the final sizing.
While it is still chucked in the lathe I'll use a rasp to do the final shaping of the cross piece.
Never the less, Jameel, it looks like your doing a fine job there and having fun. Of course you know you have just entered another branch of that slippery slope.