Joe,
If you are 5 min from the Bellinger shop then you absolutely should go visit them. There are at least 3 and at times 4 builders there, a couple with low rod counts so they will remember why you are asking the question. Avoinding the pitfalls of improper plane prep, sharpening angles, why you don't want to build a two tone rod.. and many other topics will save you amny a week of fruitless building time.The rough forms are easily made with a half dozen wood screws, 2 - 4 ft pcs of 1 X 1 in maple and 5 min on a table saw.
splinter