I have a LV plane bit never considered it for anything beyond cleaning up tenon ends. Your technique to get it started along a path is something I'm going to try!
Give it a whirl! Go slow at first and really be careful in making the first couple of corner cutting passes. It's fun! Yeah... I'll see how it goes for a depth stop. I can always add one later.
Steve.... I'm applying the finish now so it will be a few days. But I have to tell you it's gorgeous! And..... it cuts so sweet that it soothes me. It's so fast. I can put a 1/2" wide rabbet 1/4" deep and 24" long on a board before someone with a power router has his setup done. Just sayin' lol 😉