I don’t guess I’ve said hi yet… been lurking about reading the posts on this forum, and quite enjoying the talents and shared knowledge. I got started in woodworking as a hobby three years ago or so, having had my parents guide me through a pine bench for the front porch, then proceeding on my own through several projects. So, Hi. For an upcoming project I find myself wanting a handplane with a curved bottom profile, so I’m taking on making my first wood plane. I got a Hock plane blade with something close to the right curve from my loving wife for my birthday, and the plan is to follow the directions from a James Krenov book and the College of the Redwoods website (same plan, slightly different perspectives on making it). http://www.crfinefurniture.com/1pages/sitelinks/howplane.html I have some 8/4 bubinga laying about that I’m thinking of using for the body and sides of the plane (the board is just waiting for the same upcoming project). I’m strongly considering using either the same board, or buying some Ipe for making a sole. The question is, do I want the grain on the bottom of the plane to have the growth rings running vertically up through the sole, or horizontally across the sole, or diagonally? Or does it make any particular difference? The drawing indicates diagonal grain, but I’m unclear if this really effects the performance of the plane. I didn’t see a discussion of that in the plans or text. Also the plan is for a plane with a flat bottom, and I’m modifying the plane to have about a 4 inch radius, if that changes the picture much. Any words of wisdom? Thanks in advance.