Chip,
As you can see in the info given you already, there is contradiction....One says they are good for beads one says bad. One says they are too fiddley, one.... Anyway, when I got my 45, it was my only way of doing rabbits, groves, dados, and etc. I got used to it, and now have two 45s, one 55, and one 46. I leave them set up from job to job, only making changes when I have to. I do have a few wooden planes capable of some of this work, but they are fiddley if you have to adjust them (in my opinion).

You have probably developed your own system of work, as I have, and anyone else that does things a few times. I tried to vary at first to learn and as I got more tools. I'm still not set in my ways, tho and I see needs for tools as I go. I seldom buy the whole kit before starting. I think you will have to work at it no matter what kind of plow you get. The 45 opened up a huge array of possibilities for me at once, and although it may not be the best way, I know it can be a good way. Jump in! The 45 guy is David E. Heckel 1800 McComb Charleston, IL 61920 phone:217/345/9112