The problem is the glued up, cleaned sections need to be measured at the critical stations to determine if the finished sections are actually the correct size. I understand that there is nothing you can do to change the rod, or is there? Plenty of rods don't actually measure to the target dimensions. Sure the rod will work fine in most cases but you need to improve your methodology to "hit the numbers" plus or minus .001".
Measure the finished rod, analyze the numbers and see how you did. It is important to determine where the errors occurred, are the numbers uniformly too big or too small? Are most of the stations correct and only one is off? Is everything looking good but the tip is undersized? You need to study the finished sections and find out where and why you missed the numbers. There are numerous ways to set forms and numerous ways to measure strips. There are grooved planes, regular planes, scraper planes and who knows what?
The bottom line is find a way to consistently hit the numbers and you will be a better builder, capable of producing a consistent product that will perform as intended. Start now and measure everything until you develop your system of construction. It doesn't matter how you get there but get there you must.