Tuffers - I wouldnt push you away from getting hold of a travisher, they are useful and if you get a good one they can be a joy to use. Second hand ones are gold dust (snap DevAussie's arm off) and new ones a worthwhile investment.
My advice, go to a car boot sale/flea market, pick up some different sized coffin planes and use a sanding machine to round off the base, you'll have to re-sharpen the blade to match the curve but this can be achieved pretty easily. Its a cheap alternative/replacement and can be quite rewarding to think that you've shaped your own tools for a specific job.
Might mention here that there is a Woodworking show in Somerset next weekend (in Martock, Somerset) - its called the Yandles Woodworking show and there will be many different people there with live demonstrations and tools for sale. Any people in the area should go to it, see how some of the Chair makers use travishers and pick up advice on sharpening etc.