TomD
Actually I was not suggesting that. I was more worried about the whole time on task thing. One way to speed up is to practice, and get a feel for when you can go fast and when you have to scale down to micron removal. There is a place for each, though not in each other's place. My concern is more if a person wants to learn how to chop down a tree, they can't learn the axework by using a less risky alternative like a saw. But maybe they won't learn it that well by trying to chop down a tree that is circled on 3 sides with electrical wires. Practice makes perfect, then take the skills to the big time.

I think there is something to be said for the idea that certain things should be saved for later, when one deserves them. But:

- I am not sure how special that wood is.

- Also there are certain tasks where a beginner, while making heavy weather of them can still do a virtually indistinguishable job if they try. I have seen some amazing guitars, and canoes made by people who had never woodworked before.I am not sure Japanese planes are 100% that way, but you can make a decent one.

- Also, the first Japanese plane I ever made, I still use. I guess I am glad I made it in white oak and thereby know that works OK, but I have also been using this tool for 30 years, and part of me wishes I had used the "good stuff"

- Also, the final strokes are what determine the result, and those are undertaken by people who buy Japanese planes from sellers who never question them. Those people are far less prepared, conceptually and possibly technically than someone proceeding from scratch as you have.