If you have not come across Stumpy Nubs, you need to. A seriously warped
woodworker, who has some off beat stuff that actually works, and does not
cost a whole lot.

For instance, the scrub plane in this video works very well, in fact used it
today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFBnTOGc-2w

I think Wood has a HF coupon for the Windsor 33 for $7.75. Where else are
you going to get a serviceable plane for eight bucks?

Deb