Alaia update #2

I have been slowly shaping my handplane, figuring it out as I go, and using the lessons learned on my alaia. My flexible curve came in handy to draw a half model and transfer the half shape to create a full shape.

The rails are all planed and sanded. The shape basically evolved and it doesnt look much like any handplane I have seen before. She is more of a teardrop shape than the bread shaped models I have seen. Best case is that the rail holds better and it is faster to plane....worst case is it is too short on volume.

Either way a good learning experience. She is being finished with tung oil to keep watertight.

I have 3 eight foot lengths of 5/4 x 6 western red cedar waiting to be shaped into an alaia. My thought is to replicate the joint used on the handlplane by routing a tongue and groove joint, and breadboard end a nose and tail block to hide the voids that get filled with epoxy. Other option is to just glue up a butt joint, but I am worried that wont be strong enough...