TomD
I think I could make a Japanese plane to the point you get them when you buy them in 45 minutes, but I know I can`t get it to the first cut with any regularity in that time. Other than the block a Japanese plane is pretty much all hand work, and the final blade fitting will take a while.

I offered to do a seminar at LV on making a Japanese plane, and I got some initial support, and they asked me to do a proposal. I never heard back after that, presumably it got filtered into a spam trap. It was a tight time-line for publication, and it also would have used up the last few dozen of the Japanese plane blades they had available for purchase. But I was really kinda disappointed I never got a chance because I figure there is demand out there.

Here is my submission, I wonder if there would have been any interest. At the time I was off the computer for about a year in case that reference sounds odd.

''Hi Xxxxxxx,

Here is the draft Brochure copy. One thing that I omited is the dimension of the plane. People may want to know what that is, so to avoid a million questions you could put in the blade width which is purportedly 44mm with a cut of 39 mm. But if you think referring to it as a "block" plane is sufficient, that would be more flexible since people may want to customize to their own size, and we don't yet have the stock.

Also, you will note that I claim "All tools and materials will be supplied", which is really up to you. I can provide a tool list, in most cases people who meet the experience requirement should have some/most of these tools. Roughly it would be:

Used throughout seminar, therefore one per maker:

-Bench (could be shared if they have enough vises on them)
-mallet
-chisel, sturdy enough to mortise the block
-fine chisel to clean escapements ( one per pair would do)

Used periodically and could be shared:

-Plane, bench or block
-Japanese keyhole saw fine, or similar http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32933&cat=1,42884,50321
pencil, square, adjustable bevel

Stock we didn't discuss in addition to the block and blade would be some hardwood scrap about 1.25" x 2" x12", a small piece of plywood stock to protect bench surface. There should be some spare plane blocks in case anyone goofs the project.

I gave up email but you can get me afternoons at 9xx-xxx-xxxx, or if it isn't urgent I check my email every few days.

Thomxx xxxxxxxl

Copied in case brochure file won't open:

Make a Japanese Block Plane

6.5 hours

Japanese planes have a reputation for extraordinary performance, on par with other Japanese tools like waterstones and handsaws. These wooden planes excel at everything from polishing wood to a natural finish, to breaking wood down quickly to working dimensions. Learn how to master these planes through hands on construction of your own Japanese block plane. Learn how to design planes for high performance in planeable hardwoods and softwoods of all types. Many tips and trick covered will be of interest to users of hand planes of any type. Expand confidence in planning, chiselling, and sawing to a line. This is a hand tools wood working project, some basic skill in the use of chisels, planes and saws is required. All tools and materials will be supplied.''