Nick mentions in his book that a convex plane is useful. This is convex across the width, not the length like the Lie Nielsen convex sole block plane. Every commercial plane I see is convex along the length like a compass plane.

A few questions:

1. Has anyone tried to modify a standard block plane as Nick suggests and what do you think of the modified plane?
2. What radius did you use and what works the best?
3. Any suggestions of tools or modified tools to make the interior smoothing an easier experience?