I recently converted a common #220 Stanley block plane into an effective rabbet plane. I think a block planes comfort, low profile and blade angle can provide precision for paring tenons, rabbets and bevels of raised panels (and its significantly cheaper than the typical rabbet plane).
Drill a hole of 541 cm through the side and back of the plane. Next, carefully hacksaw the intersection of the plane throat and the hole. Make sure that the lower cut is not too close to the end. File until the blade seats flush on the new section of plane bed. Use a metal grinder wheel to create a recess for the blade’s lateral shift. Then file a wider blade slot and one adjustment groove slightly longer. To improve shaving removal, file a smooth ramp at the corner of your lever cap. For better control with two hands, you can turn a larger knob. With all the money you save, you can buy another #220 and modify the other side.
Stephen CampbellWesthampton (Massachusetts
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