Quote Originally Posted by Jim Koepke View Post
Would it be possible to widen the adjusting trough on the blade to allow more side to side movement?

That and a little lubrication in the trough might allow more movement.

This isn't so much lateral movement problem as it is a problem of keeping the blade parallel to the sides of the plane when adjusting it.

jtk
Yes, you can open it up. Edward Preston had a patent for just this situation. Instead of a rectangular slot he made it like a sideways hourglass. This kept the blade snug on the adjuster while allowing some lateral movement.