> Also, I though this experiment failed in the 60’s
> http://www.grizzly.com/products/-4-Smoothing-Bench-Plane/T22708

Actually, the SB-4 is the first plane I ever bought. Some of you might
recognize it as a plane-shaped spokeshave, with the short blade and
adjustment mechanism.  I can tell you first hand that it can expose you to
lead, as I've used it as a paint remover on our old house more than once.