Building a Block Plane - Sizing the blank

With the glue dry I removed the clamps and measured my walnut block. I need to get the block of wood down to the proper dimensions.  I used my planer to get a smooth side then ran the block through my table saw with the smooth side down.  

After repeated cuts I was able to get the block down to the correct dimensions.  The seam between the boards is not in the center and its not straight in the block but my block is almost square.  May be it would have been easier if I had a jointer but I'm working with what I have.

 

I also have worm or some bug hole in one side of the blank so I think I'll make that the top.

The core blank is 1 9/16" x 1 9/16" x 6" and 

The sides are 1/4" x 1 9/16 x 6".

Building a Block Plane

I've decided to attempt to make a block plane. I've got a copy of John Wilson's "Making Woods Tools" (affiliate link) last year and I have not yet made any tools from the book. The block plane is the first project in the book and is a good place to start according to John. The book seems detailed enough to follow the project and John includes how to make the blade as well.

I plan to post photos as I build the block plane.  

So far I selected the wood and ordered the steel for the blade (affiliate link).  

For the inner core of the plane I selected a piece of walnut.  I did not have a piece large enough 1 17/32" x 1 17/32" x 6" so I glued up a walnut blank.  For the sides I selected a piece a piece of hardwood maple.  The board was left over prefinished maple flooring.  I planed the bottom of the flooring flat and used the bandsaw to resaw the board to just over 1/4" thick.  I then planed the board down to 1/4" thick removing the bandsaw marks.

Walnut blank clamped and waiting for the glue to dry

Maple flooring for the sides prior to being resawn.