Is This the Future of Hand Planes?

[@rrs1912]

I just bought one. I am hobby woodworker and never could master the adjustment and sharpening of planes…. It’s simply a game changer for all of you that, like me, are not great at plane adjustment or sharpening. Like the video shows… just out of the box you get this incredible paper thin shaving…. Fantastic tool !!!!!!!

[@CarbonKevin]

I'm pleased to report that as of September 2023, the Evolution 260 is shipping with both an instruction manual AND the top cap on the rear handle is now red, so it's more obvious that it's meant to be removed. I can also confirm, as a relative beginner to wood planing, that this tool is an absolute delight to use. Cheers!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the report. Rali has never said or written a single thing about my review, but it seems they may have been listening nonetheless. And maybe they would listen to this: Red or black, the cap on the handle keeps popping of and spilling its contents. You need a better way to capture the cap. I've had to use a piece of duct tape, which makes a cheap-looking tool look even cheaper.

[@jerryodell1168]

Your dog has the look of dog love. Tells something about your heart. Dogs can sense people.

[@MisterRose90]

Bull shit. I’ve seen dogs greet home invaders with waging tails, too. They know a persons heart as much as you do.

[@StCreed]

@misterrose90 it must have been a really *nice* invader :)

[@Skenderbeuismyhero]

Hitler had a dog and it absolutely loved him.

[@NatapixAS]

his dog is worried about him, talking while there is nobody in the room, keeping his gaze on a small black cube

[@silentterrorhawk]

Woo woo

[@PistonHonda87]

I “discovered” Rali about 18 months ago and love them. They are great for wood workers who primarily use power tools and not enthusiastic with constant upkeep and maintenance throughout the day or project.

[@jimdavis8391]

Bit like an automatic car then? ;)

[@trep53]

The last time I viewed a power tool woodworker use a hand plane it was too make wood shavings to pad the wine box he made with power tools.

[@kratosorokai1546]

oh that definitly is not me i love getting that perfect edge and gladly spent hours on it though i love having some convenience now and then

[@samuelbailey3045]

I'm enlightened by your presentation every time, thank you.

[@fcschoenthal]

I had heard about the Rali planes a couple of months ago, but your video is sooo much more in-depth and descriptive about the plane. It seems to be a good plane for a beginning woodworker who wants to delve into handtools without the fussing with sharpening and adjustments of the older planes. Once again, great video and great explanations. I always look forward to viewing your content. - Chris

[@ExeterThurbers]

Nick, your experience, knowledge, and sense of humor make you a wonderful teacher. Thanks for another edifying video.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

Hock irons are a luxury though; it’s possible to get a beautifully working Stanley for around $40 if you’re willing to do a bit of work on it. So the traditional are still cheaper, way nicer looking and feeling than plastic handles, and as Paul Sellers says, there’s more than enough out there for everyone who wants one. And for me a huge perk of being proficient with a plane is the money I save on sand paper. I don’t need more disposable tool parts. Still, it’s interesting to know that this exists. Thanks for a well put together video. But I’ll stick to my grandpa’s old Stanleys myself 😊

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

@@flosscap yeah agreed! I was more commenting on the lesser model costing $100 and the way he compared that to a Stanley + hock combo. I just meant that the hock really isn’t necessary, so the Stanley is still cheaper than even the cheap option.

[@valueforvalue76]

Yeah the cost on this thing is insane in my opinion for the way it's manufactured. I don't see how it costs so much for what it is. I do like the idea though, disposable blades would be handy at times. However if this company really wants to increase their market share in the US I recommend figuring out how to get the costs down. Or to justify the cost in some way. I'm not paying 200 bucks for something with plastic handles and stamped construction. And the blade prices he quoted are nuts.

[@woodnotestudio]

Great video. Thank you for going over everything. Personally I would rather spend a little extra time sharpening my traditional plane and saving a ton of money.

[@RFC3514]

Well, the chrome steel blades cost less than $2 each (per side), so unless you do a lot of planing (or they wear out really fast), it would probably take you a long time to save "a ton of money". And they can actually be sharpened a couple of times. But I wouldn't buy a plane whose blades come from a single manufacturer (I'm not sure if that's the case here; maybe other companies make compatible blades).

[@woodnotestudio]

@@RFC3514 I see your point but these planes are about the same price or even more expensive than traditional planes. Also, you can get a used plane for much cheaper and you just need to fix it up a little. More work and maybe not worth all the time and effort. Plus, it is definitely an exaggeration on the "ton of money" I would be saving. Hahaha, thanks for keeping me in check.

[@RFC3514]

@@woodnotestudio - They cost almost exactly the same as "traditional" Stanley plane of the same size. And if you can probably also get one of these used. They've actually been around for several decades.

[@JacquesRemyGaming]

You just need to adjust the blade to desired angle, sometimes the plane them you just need a few minutes to keep it sharp

[@thomvogan3397]

A Stanley is a thing of beauty, something you're proud to pass down to your child. Can't say the same about the other

[@canobenitez]

what about when Rali goes bankrupt? the stanley will last forever

[@ricoblaser6308]

@@canobenitez Should Rali, after 60 years in business, go bankrupt. Someone would surely buy the machines for blade production when it was sold. In our company alone, there are three different Rali planers on every service vehicle.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

I think the Rali could be a good option for a power tool woodworker who doesn't want to spend time learning to sharpen or spend money on sharpening gear. If you plan to use hand planes a lot, though, this would get very expensive very quick. And if you're a hand tool or hybrid woodworker, you still need sharpening equipment for your chisels, spokeshaves, rabbet planes, etc etc. So there's not much savings there.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

@barrychopsticks - are you talking about the disposable cutting irons on the Rali? The corners are rounded, he showed it. You could smooth with it.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

@barrychopsticks - Those marks you linked to don't have anything to do with the camber of the iron. Those are a result of the laminated construction of the plane body. The plane body is leaving those grooves, not the blade. He discusses this right around the time of your timestamp. He also shows that the corners of the blades are rounded. When the iron in a normal handplane isn't cambered, you get either one or two tracks left on the surface of the wood--one for each corner of the blade. These marks he showed were left uniformly across the entire width of the cut. These marks would be left during edge planing, too.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

@barrychopsticks - also, the savings isn't just in the cost of the sharpening supplies. The bigger problem is the time that most people would have to invest to get efficient at sharpening. A contractor may need a plane once a month. This Rali can be used easily and quickly by all the guys on the crew. A traditional hand plane would require everybody to learn to sharpen, otherwise they'd bother the one guy who knows how. It's not worth the time if they use it that infrequently. It wouldn't be worth carrying around stones, oil, a strop, and honing compound for them. To save them all of that, $200 is a reasonable cost. That's the kind of person this tool is really meant for. It's a terrible investment for a cabinet maker or a weekend woodworker who will be planing a lot. I'm not the target market.

[@idhatemet00]

​@@flosscap to be fair to, there is literally nothing to tune or sharpen on this plane lol. No lateral adjuster and no traditional blade that requires sharpening. All the user needs to be able to do, is turn the depth adjustment. Personally, I'm not a fan of this. I'll stick with my no 4,5,6,7, and 8....

[@steliosstavrinides3502]

Had no idea that this product is in market, thank you. Now, when we are woodworking, we all want to have a ready to go tool without dropping everything we do and loose time sharpening, that mostly nobody likes doing, so the ready set go of this product is huge plus. What is not mention in this review, is the fact that with the traditional hand planes cost, comes the sharpening stones cost or sharpening machines cost to do what's needed, and this is a big value cost. So in my opinion, who I am not fussy hand tools woodworker and just wants to do over and done with my planing when needed, i will always go with the easiest and fastest solution, and this product does exactly that and with excellent results according to your testing... So I am sold !

[@J.Burrough]

My son is in the market for hand planers. He’s playing around with some luthier type work & we are going to try the Rali at this point. We/He’s ready for something new. Appreciate it. The Stanley will always have it’s place in the shop as well.👍🏼

[@krenwregget7667]

great video, Nick. I know many woodworkers take pride in their old Stanley planes and their ability to resharpen plane blades and chisels like a pro but for someone just starting or who doesn't want to invest cost and time into sharpening stones or systems, this seems like a great alternative. These would also work very well in hobby co-ops where people share tools as you just swap out the blades.

[@MikeAG333]

Really? De-skilling woodwork is a good thing?

[@Ali-0101]

A single plane iron will last half a lifetime and can be sharpened hundreds of times, which by the way becomes very satisfying the better you become at it. People have sharpened swords on rocks for centuries, you will manage to get the idea of it

[@f.kieranfinney457]

How long have we been using disposable razor blades instead of knives on our faces? Why should tool maintenance be considered a part of woodworking instead of the nuisance it is? Which do you prefer: carbide inserts on your planer or HSS knives? Sharpening and setting those knives wasn’t fun for anyone. This is a blade for wood. It lets you work more, and cuts well, which is the point of woodWORKING isn’t it? Judge it on that basis. I have a vintage wood plane with a wooden wedge for blade adjustments. I never get the depth where I want and it doesn’t stay put. But it sure is pretty…. On my mantle.

[@evanvandyke9819]

You’re going to need that sharpening system for your chisels. And know how to use it. This seems like a waste of money for anyone who’s going to use it regularly for somebody who uses it maybe a half dozen times in their life I could see it.

[@Goalsplus]

It's possible the cost of labour to sharpen blades is more than the cost of replacement blades.

[@fredparsons5134]

I just received one of these today. Thanks for the review Nick. Like you said in the video, it is set up right out of the box and I made whispy shavings immediately. The blade is super sharp, like and old doubled bladed shaver.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I'm using mine more and more for job site work -- it travels well. But one thing I would like to tell new owners that It missed in the vid -- don't trust the handle storage. Tape the top on the handle. Every time I want to plane a vertical surface, it comes off and the extra blades spill everywhere.

[@philippeterson9512]

I’ve had a Rali block plane for about 20 years now, but haven’t used it in a long time because the knife dulled. It dulled before we had the Internet and I could search on how to find a replacement blade, so I’m glad you brought this to my attention. I’ll order some more blades soon.

[@gregwright2059]

I loooove watching and listening to these videos. He's so helpful & his voice is very comforting & relaxing. Big fan.

[@Dragonited]

Good review and please give that dog some more pets. He's begging for them and he deservs it for his unconditional love for you :)

[@bobbg9041]

I love the part where the dogs on the bench paws folded and when you start to plane the edge of the wood he moves one just one paw out of the way, very intelligent dog. And he certainly loves you. Or hes got to go outside! I can usually understand what my dogs trying to tell me. Its just when the 2 of them are talking about different things.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Actually, she's asking me to stop working for a minute and throw the frisbee.

[@Enhancedlies]

I don't even do any woodwork, but i am so invested and i am loving it!

[@scottbennington2936]

Nick, with help from you and Paul Sellers, I was able to get my grandfather's Stanley #4 and #5 in useable, then fine tuned order. What amazing tools when sharp and flat. I appreciate your time and insight on the "next gen" tool. However, I don't think I am giving up my Frank Lloyd Wright Falling house anytime soon for a midtown industrial modern condo. :) For those who decide otherwise, I hope you make some $$$.

[@TheHumanSantapede]

The condo is at least achievable since Fallingwater belongs to West Pennsylvania Conservancy 😆

[@charitiekbyrd1]

I love watching your videos. You give a great presentation, very informative and interesting. An absolute joy to watch. Keep up the great work and see you in the next one.💯😁

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@alonso92498]

Hello Nick: I watched your video with a lot of interest! This is my take: I have several of these RALI planes,among them an European style bench plane, a small rabbet plane and a block plane. The later one I use a lot when going to installations and is very practical and useful plane. I discovered these planes in the early '90s when I came to the States to work and since them I like them a lot, specially when you're running out of time to take care of the other regular planes to sharpen them. Also, I've been noticing that nowadays there are fewer and fewer companies dealing with spare blades and rarely I find a fellow woodworker possessing one of these which make me think that they are not as popular as anyone will expect. When they find me using one on jobsites,it create a lot of admirers and I always talk about them about their convenience and virtues! Since you have quite a following I hope this comment will affect them on a positive way toward those very good tools! Keep up your good work! Alonso

[@Kelvallontan]

RALI makes good little planes. I own two, a palm one and the german style one. I'm quite satisfied with it, and how simple they are to use. You don't spend time working on your plane but rather working on wood. Note that when both sides are dulled, you can resharpen them to an extent by "grinding" their flat surface on a water stone. On the bottle opener part: this is a very germanic thing. I am employed by an Austrian pellet boiler industrial. The key to lock your boiler (because everyone locks their boiler's front door, right?) is also a bottle opener. Because everyone wants to drink a beer in front of their boiler, right? 😁 Oh and thank you for your review! A very interesting one.

[@ehRalph]

Done like a professional!! Plain facts! Great comparison

[@paulwilson2204]

Comparing a Bailey to a wooden plane just makes sense. Comparing the Rali to the Bailey is makes sense again. Some of the hardest parts of using a Bailey are sharpening and setting the blade. This is just smart.

[@f.d.6667]

The Swiss RALI planes were around already in the mid 1980s, offering HSS and TC blades. Before that, there were "razor" planes that would take standard "Stanley" blades (1970s). In Japan, the *Jump Mini j50* is rather common (aluminium body, HSS blades) and it's the one I have always within reach: the blades are incredibly sharp and the resulting surfaces are amazing. In Japan, the plane costs about USD 47.00 and a set of 3 blades is about USD 6.00 or so... however, prices outside of Japan are totally insane (like 4 times as much).

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Was about to comment same. I got a Hegner from Advanced Machinery in the early 90’s. They had Rali planes back then as well. Minnesota State Fair booth when I was 10 years old.

[@austinsalyer8966]

So I can tell you the reason for the cost mostly has to do with shipping and international tax. I have been in the transportation industry for over a decade and that’s mostly what it boils down to. Important tax into the us is crazy high and the cost of fuel it way over taxed.

[@WorBlux]

@@austinsalyer8966 The design doesn't look like it need much special tooling. Could be produced locally, or at least all the parts and leave final assembly to the user.

[@austinsalyer8966]

@@WorBlux I totally agree, it probably could be made locally on small scale to reduce the cost of production. I would love to see them release some Stl files for the plastic parts and a spec sheet for the metal parts and allow people to build them for open source projects but I don’t think they have that in mind while building this.

[@didndido3638]

@@WorBlux Not for the affordable price, though.

[@frankcoit7102]

I’ve thought all through your excellent presentation how much I’ve learned. My conclusion is that it may be a nice addition to my tool box. I’ll be looking for one asap. Thanks again.

[@jackskalski3699]

Whoa you can do the trick with the handplane as well! Awesome video. As usual awesome info. You're setting very high standards for the other guys in your space.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying. And this isn't the first time I've spun a plane on video. See the end of the vid where I review the Harbor Freight Stanley No. 4 knock-off..

[@onidb1]

Honestly traditional hand planes intimidate me by all the different planes and universal planes sounds good to start off with great video!

[@darrenbaugh6579]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. Your expertise is very valuable. Much appreciation.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@fsr402]

I have that Evo plane and absolutely love it. will be getting a few more of their planes.

[@amezcuaist]

I use traditional Stanley planes and also a 4 1/2 Acorn which came before Stanleys . I converted a lot of them to use old Laminated wood plane irons from Sorby and Brades . You have to file out the front of the mouth to give them room . Thick laminated irons are in the Japanese league .Fettling planes is a good hobby in itself .

[@richardsnyder4365]

Your videos are outstanding. You are a natural educator. Thank you.

[@carlosbanegas6616]

Loved how your shop helper pays attention, ha ha ha

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks Nick, great to see

[@j0hnab]

Yours are the only videos I don't watch at 2x. Your pace of valuable, interesting info and entertainment is perfect even though your speed of delivery is much, much slower than others.

[@greggerstner5599]

I appreciate the honesty of this video. Seen too many "reviews" gushing over their box o free stuff. I bought Triton drill based on one of these. Probably a mistake -- one battery went goofy soon and they seem to have distribution issues. Decent drill otherwise. One minor quip with an otherwise honest appraisal, and even that is tangential: ". . . especially when you're marketing something unique, like a plane with disposable blades." As others have commented, not so unique. I have the Stanley RB10 (flea market), and was intrigued by the supposed rabbiting feature, and also had to discover for myself the cache of blades in the handle. Never very popular, and I'm sure the model you tested is superior. Already have all the traditional planes one could desire (mostly flea market), but then I know how to sharpen and hone. As to beauty, I'm in complete agreement. In the Whole Photography Catalog, comparing the Nikon F-1 with the Canon: "Beauty is a thing that works." (Something like that). I have a Vicmarc lathe that you wouldn't want in your living room for decorative purposes. Used to have an old Delta. The delta had some cool Art Deco lines -- it was beautiful. Also a piece of crap. The Vicmarc works. Beautifully. All said, I could see the Rali tossed in the toolbox for installations (as you have mentioned), not having worry about the occasional nail or sharpening. And the woodworkers who use power tools for everything, and only occasionally need a touch-up with a plane. Not everyone enjoys the hand woodworking process, but if you do, you already know how to sharpen everything (or you should). That would make the Rali redundant in those shops. I'm more of a hybrid, but I'll stick to my Miller's Falls and Stanleys. Sorry for the book. I mainly appreciate an honest, thoughtful, and concise appraisal. Seems rare these days.

[@chrisT5259]

Thanks for the info. Price is high for an old fashioned tool guy, who gets p!easure in refurbishing tools to use. Your dog made the video! A true assistant who loves you, as much as you love him! I subscribed for that alone!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@alanpowell24]

Great presenter, great personality. Keep it coming……..

[@jflemingsandiego]

Now you tell me. I just spent three days (on and off) tuning up a #4.5 and #5 Baileys. :) As with all of your videos, concise, entertaining and informative. Well done.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@paulcooper9187]

That was a great review , and as a a European I did not even know RALI were around. Must admit I am tempted, even as a hobbyist. I have a couple of Stanley 4.5 , but I like the idea of not having to sharpen the blade as often. They are somewhat expensive over here by the look of it, but they have a cracking looking block plane as well

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying. And we are thinking about testing the block plane. I just wish their stuff wasn't so damned ugly -- they need some design sense to go along with their good engineering.

[@Eugenia-o2g]

A friend in need is a friend indeed

[@Mark-EFMB-Combat-Medic]

Very well done. You are incredibly talented and likeable. Keep up the good work sir.

[@ivenhoho]

Well done, Nick. I learned a great deal from this video.

[@propertystuff7221]

I was thinking of inventing this very thing myself because I hate sharpening blades. Awesome vid!

[@rex8255]

OK, first video on your channel, and I was liking it, and then... THE PUPPERS! Parker and Orion say hello to Travis!

[@grandsonandgrandfather]

That’s a very thorough review and comparison. Thanks.

[@rachelbernhard3334]

Very interesting and helpful as I’m looking to buy my first hand planer. I appreciate the information. Love the dog & probably because I’ve got 2 BC’s, 1 look’s just like yours 💯

[@P3PPING]

I have no idea how this ended up recommended to me, but I love this channel now and Im starting to get into woodworking. Thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@kbruns33]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@fredparsons5134]

Nicks got great usable videos on here.

[@johnsrabe]

That was a tool review and I have no problem with it. You have solid bona fides. Translated from Latin: bone fidos. Dogs don’t hang with dishonest reviewers.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Excellent presentation!

[@Tool-Meister]

I purchased my first Rali plane, the RALI™ 220 Evolution N Hand Plane, in 1987. Somewhat older than 10 years. 😜. I now have smoothers in both English and RALI™ 260 Monobloc Hand Plane, German configuration and the dandy RALI™ 105 Evolution N Hand Plane block plane. The German style smoother and the block plane are in my go-box. They function as advertised AND I DON’T HAVE TO CARRY SHARPENING EQUIPMENT WITH ME! I still like my Veritas low angle bench planes better. However, when I purchased my Ralis, they were about 2/3s the price of the Veritas. In spite of my personal preference, I still highly recommend the Rali planes. I suspect I’ll give the RALI™ 260 Evolution N Hand Plane when budget permits.

[@michaelallenyarbrough9503]

Great video and insights, thanks Nick! A few things - Certainly the main advantage of the whole concept is not having to worry about sharpening. As others have said, this makes sense for the worker who only occasionally needs a plane, for only a few limited uses. You wouldn’t have to purchase, set up, and learn how to use sharpening supplies. However, going even slightly beyond these limitations likely means that a traditional bench plane is the way to go. First is durability. There are so many occasions where we go beyond using our planes, to abusing them. Rough material removal, planing through giant knots, or otherwise planing the f out of tough woods are tasks that might be slightly inadvisable but are also unavoidable at many parts of a woodworker’s path, and still I will never give a second thought as to whether my Stanley will stand up to the worst I could throw at it. The Rali, on the other hand …. a huge red flag is the plastic mechanisms. I could not believe that the mechanisms over time would not wear, snap, flex, and otherwise develop slop and become useless. Building the mechanisms out of metal would certainly begin to persuade me. And this would then also prompt a redesign of the entire plane for the fewer compromises needed with metal mechanisms. Another glaring risk is how short the blade is. Such a short blade can’t be supported as strongly to prevent motion up and down / toward and away from the surface of the wood, so if the mechanisms wear even slightly, I would expect chatter or skipping to set in quickly. The blades should be longer. And provide an option for blades that can be resharpened. There are more things that make me skeptical, but this comment is long enough, so I’ll leave it there. Except for saying that a corrugated sole that leaves marks is insane, and that with almost all other bench planes you get lovely wood handles as well. But hey, if they make their version 2.0 with some more thought, a disposable blade plane could certainly be a winner!

[@robertjeglum4657]

Disposable blades, plastic parts. Built in obsolescence is what this tool is about. Whereas my regular planes were old and used when I bought them 50 years ago and still work great. I'm sure that the next generation carpenter who gets them once I pass will enjoy them for another 50 years.

[@brucewelty7684]

Thanks Nick. That does present some interesting options.

[@johnwhitley2898]

Great info and side by side comparison Nick! If I were a "new" wood worker, I'd buy the Rali planes. No extra fuss, swap out blades, etc. I get it! 😆! However, I have been wood working for over 45 years and have "collected" together my carpentry tool "box"and I don't foresee retiring My Stanley planes... I have "several"🙄, and in rotation, they all get used, and I collected a small box of ready to swap sharp blades, normal and scrub just because.... Short of the Long, very cool tool, just not for me, and not at the moment... 😆! This, again, is a fair and no BS comparison and I enjoyed it! Bella is great Too! 😆..."Talk to ME Dad, those pesky people aren't important like ME!... Lolol😂😂!! Keep the videos coming, Nick!!

[@luigirotta2802]

The RALI planer is the best planer on the construction site: robust, the blade can be quickly put into rest position Cutting thickness is quickly adjusted, the blade is always sharp. The small RALI monoblock is always in my tool bag.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing. I too have found the Rali is a good job site tool.

[@jangolzner5528]

Another thing to maybe keep in mind is that due to the screws in the side of the Rali plane, it cannot properly function as a shooting plane (without cutting out a recess in form of a groove).

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good point -- we covered this in some other comments.

[@pwhsbuild]

I have many nice hand planes that stay in my shop and only go to jobs on special occasions. Most of todays cabinets, doors and trims are press board, MDF or other such materials. These tend to dull blades very quickly. I would love the ability to have a plane or two in my van that is easy and quick to sharpen on site, that I don't have to worry about someone walking off with so much (compaired to my Lie Nielsen planes). I will deff look into these.

[@anp3745]

I have a couple of Jaoanese planes. You adjust the depth, chip breaker and angle by tapping it with a hammer.

[@rolandkeys8297]

I had a block plane with a disposable blade about 20 years ago. The new blades were never very sharp but I only used it for shamfering the edge of timber. after 12 months the blades were no longer available. I thought that if that was the way of replaceable blade planes then I was not interested. these look interesting and I may take another look at disposable blade planes

[@kingsleydyson4841]

I inherited my father's collection of Stanley planes as well as his father's collection of woonen planes. The fine adjustment capabilities on the Stanleys are great compared to tapping the wooden plane with a mallet and having to make multiple adjustments to get the blade position just right. However, the wodden planes have a nicer feel about them and when the blade is set just right, they are better than the steel planes for rapid material removal, but the Stanleys are better for producing a fine flat finished surface. Cheers King from Cookernup, Western Australia

[@everydaystruggle4253]

Excellent video in every way!

[@bigredracingdog466]

I love that dog. 🐶

[@notreallymyname3736]

I'm not sure I could bring myself to make one of these my daily driver, but this would be wonderful for reclaimed wood projects or as a block plane. I get a little too nervous using my smoothers on wood that might have a nail or rock in it.

[@nodbod-b2t]

Your dog is the most interesting part of the video. LOL!

[@carlholm2765]

Nice review. I particularly appreciate that you based your comments strictly on the tool in hand and not on tradition or ego. Sharpening is done to make a tool work its best and some enjoy doing it. Others just want a tool that does the job well, with little fussing, and tradition be damned if there is a better tool. In my field I have museum quality tools of the highest order, but I routinely grab super cheap tools because they get the job done well without having to consider potentially damaging the tool itself. The cheap stuff will always be cheap, but if it does the job - and that's what a tool is supposed to do - why not? Also, time is money. The customer would rather you be working on the job and not working on your tools on their dime. On my own time I will resurrect discarded tools and put them to work. Putting in $300 of labor on a $100 tool because I can and want the end result. I enjoy the experience and education gained in the resurrection of dead tools.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Oxcart19-s8r]

That precision laser is a head-turner! Thank you for this thorough review. I'm heading over to the Rali store now.

[@timclements-dh9sq]

Great presentation.

[@ahow8017]

I can see an advantage in returning the tool to service. If you damage the edge or notice the blade is dull, you flip or replace one and the new edge is exactly the same as it was before. With the Stanley you disassemble, sharpen, reassemble and if you are proficient at sharpening you have the same edge as before. However if you are not as proficient at sharpening you may need to tweak your tool to get it right to continue working. I can see the advantage in the new design. Especially if you are newer and do not have all the necessary tools and skills to sharpen the blade properly.

[@hansangb]

@5:50 "and flunked out..." That had me rolling!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Finally. I was beginning to think that went over everyone's heads. Thank you.

[@thomlipiczky9021]

I bought a Rali plane while visiting France in the 80s and used it sporadically for a couple of years. But it just didn't "feel" solid the way a Stanley or a beech bodied European plane did. But thanks for the excellent review. And congrats on getting Ben Strano from FWW to do a piece with you. Long overdue. Your videos are terrific.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing. Didn't even know about the mention from Strano until you told us about it.

[@bushratbeachbum]

Excellent review. Will be following the videos from now on

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

Instructions are a problem for international companies. I worked as a software engineer creating consumer products. Trying to get text and even images to be recognizable to several dozen cultures isn't easy (probably impossible). Packaging and instructions can be created for individual markets but that adds a lot of expense. It's not just the expense of the package you bought. It's the logistics too. To get a reasonable price you have to order at least in the 50-100k range. So 25 different cultures means 1 to 2.5 million packages you have to order, store and manage. Plus the expense and time of getting 25 different experts to creating the packaging which requires training them on how the product is used which can introduce mistakes too. You have stock 25x larger inventory for shipping. For new products that investment is way too big to have any hope of staying in business. And for low volume products like this plane the price would have to be a lot higher which means lower sales which then means even higher prices. Expecting excellent instructions is an American thing. People in other countries deal with labels and instructions in a different language for many products. Best to look online. KZbin often has someone explaining a product...like right here in this one.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

They already use QR codes. The best solution would be to create another QR code that links to a video showing how it works. No explanation necessary, just demonstration through video instead of pictures.

[@se38005]

I really love the american ? way of producing documentation as a small book. There you can read the same instructions in maybe 25 different languages, isn`'t that fantastic. 8-). Of course you have to ignore the fact that the information is NOT the same in different languages. I'm fluent enough in english to be able to compare with my native language, and the content is rarely exactly the same. Then I really love the way the booklet usually tells you how to handle the product safe and secure, with instructions not to eat the plane, nor let children below three years of age play with it, and how to dispose with empty batteries, even when there are no batteries.

[@woodshopnerdery]

Great video Nick. Thanks for being full transparent regarding you association with the product. I have been using a Paramo Planemaster No. 10 for several years, a model I bought used quite cheaply and was made in the 1970's I believe. It is a replaceable blade rabbeting plane and somewhat patterned after the Stanley Carriage makers plane. The more modern equivalent would be the Stanley RB10. Stanley also makes an RB5 which is a block plane form and variants of these are available at my local Menards with the Irwin label. I found that the replaceable blades are "hone-able" in the normal fashion if you have the right holding mechanism. And honing makes the plane perform quite well in some scenarios. And I used the Paramo exclusively for light duty tasks, like you showed in the video, after selling my Stanley collection 10 or more years ago. When I started adding hand tools back into my workflow recently, I did consider the Rali planes. However, based on my experience with the Paramo, I felt the Rali might struggle under more challenging tasks like face planing. Also, owning the Paramo did not mean tossing out the sharpening implements or forgetting those sharpening skills. After all I still needed a way to sharpen other tools like chisels or shaper cutters. That being said the Rali has a difference construction than my Paramo and I hesitant to fully discount a new design approach. I think a great follow on video would be to test the Rali in other planing scenarios where the Stanley Bailey pattern planes have proven to be quite flexible. A useful task for the hybrid woodworker would be to roughly flatting the face of a workpiece in preparation of sending it through the thickness planner. I'm also curious how the Rali performs in system of tools like fore, jack, jointing, smoothing planes, and bench chisels. Also, how does fair edge planing when the edges are very rough from the saw mill?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

All very useful suggestions, Thomas. But, the video was getting a little long as it was, and -- as you well know -- it's hard to get an audience back for a second look. Note the difference in views between my band saw lumber videos #1 and #2. This will probably be it for the Rali bench planes. I may take a look at the block plane and/or the Rali chisels some time in the future.

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@WorkshopCompanion I hear you for sure. It's hard to convince people to sit through a video that would be long enough to capture all the things a system of Bailey pattern plane can do. But, perhaps that the core challenge the Rali company faces?

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@WorkshopCompanion Also, you video did encourage me to re0visit the Rali web site. I noticed they do have an interesting vise system that is worth exploring and replaceable blade chisels. They also have other plane models that could fit in the course, medium, fine hand plane workflow. So they seem to have put some effort into offering the customer a woodworking system of tools. That peeks my interest more than anything. Hmmm....

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks for the work

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

The major con is you can't sharpen the blade. Means you need to spend over and over to replace the blades. That could be a deal breaker for many.

[@MMWoodworking]

I think this depends entirely on 3 things. 1.) How often you use the plane, 2.) What you use it for, and 3.) How much time you have to become good at sharpening + sharpening in general and setup. Imagine a scenario where you use the plane once a month, give or take on session. Take the price of all sharpening equipment needed to get a similar edge to the RALI, then divide that be the number of blades you could get. Take the value of your time/hr, and relate that to the time spent learning to sharpen to an identical edge of the RALI. Personally, I will always use traditional planes, but for someone who reaches for a plane a few times a month, and always wants an immediately available, super sharp blade, the RALI may make sense.... depending on how long they last. I don't think the cost makes sense for most people, but for someone on a jobsite, or someone who needs to just take a few swipes a project, and who has no interest in learning to sharpen, this may make sense. I am skeptical, but time will tell.

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

This has caught my eye. I like the idea of the Japanese pull planes. I think I could figure out a way to adapt one of these to being pulled.

[@fredparsons5134]

Very interesting Nick, thanks for the heads up on an interesting tool.

[@shookings]

That dog loves you so much.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

The feeling is mutual.

[@ericklassen742]

Hello Nick, I'm 'old-school', maybe because I'm old. That said, I have old tools from my Father. I cherish them and I trust their unending quality. At my age, I'm thinking ahead with regard to leaving my tools to my children and their descendants. My family will never say, "look at the crap Papa left us." They'll hold any one of my Stanley planes and say, "Hey, check this out. Papa was a very cool guy." There's nothing wrong with sticking with tradition!

[@dougk5456]

Your shop helper is on the job helping.

[@robertnicholson7733]

I like sharpening plane irons, there is a joy to bringing them up to razor blade sharpness, once the blade is set up right, it doesn't take long to bring it back to peak performance. I don't need fancy replacemnt blades, many Stanley blades are quite good. having sai that, they do vary in hardness, often with country of manufacture. Unfortunataly, many Stanleys came out of the factory in an almost unusable condition. Considering the cost, my 60 1/2 bloc plane was a disgrace, it took untold hours to get it to its current usability. the best Stanley, i havce ever seen as regards quality, is one I inherited that was originally owned by my grandfather, boat builder. It is a Canadian made number 7 wide blade corrugated base - exceptional original workmanship.

[@RafaelRivera2013]

As always fantastic content, I appreciate your videos.

[@treblebass8049]

Thanks man, that was a really awesome video. I love old planes, have a number of them but hadn't been privy to some of the lore and dates. Some of mine are old, I've got a 20in Stanley jointer plane number? I don't remember. I mostly keep it over the fireplace because I like looking at it. I like looking at it, but it works extremely well. So sweet. I appreciate you taking your time to look at some new things, and sharing your experience along the way. I really like a lot of your videos and just wanted to say thanks.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome. And thanks for the kind words.

[@rickmanganello9924]

Great job. In the eighties a friend and I were starting a hand tool sales gig. Rali kindly gave us samples to test. They failed our tests because, frankly we didn't understand them well enough. (Also because we were putzes.) We mailed our report to Rali who were not impressed. They apparently didn't upgrade the non-existent instructions. I think those German-style Rali's are still in my shop. Given your insights I think I'll give them another try.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing. My understanding from the North American rep is that after our vid, they added some better instructions.

[@oldguy1030]

I only have the Rali plane (and their block plane as well). I've been pretty happy with the simplicity and the lack of need to sharpen blades. I'd also note that they also sell a chisel - I barely used it so far (don't use chisels much and have others as well) because I'm a little skeptical about it. Maybe I'll warm up to the chisel when I've used it more.

[@rafflesmaos]

I like the Frank Lloyd Wright reference, I'd compare the Rali to someone like Tadao Ando, hehe. Fan of both the architects in different ways, and the planes as well. Love the videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@NeillWylie]

Your laser jig! YAAAAAS! I love it!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks. I had a real laser kicking around the shop but Travis convinced me the cat toy would work just as well and initiate a few smiles.

[@2CPropertiesTeams]

That was fun thanks!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@wiseoldfool]

It has taken me some time to get round to watching this, but as always, I'm glad I did. I'm not sure if these planes will ever make it to Australia, but at least I'm aware of them now.

[@MASI_forging]

Truly amazing video

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@rhondabailey4444]

Love the show

[@chuckotto7021]

Please don't ignore your devoted dog! Acknowledge him once in a while on the video. Great presentations, thanks.

[@Knock265]

These are excellent job site planes , the knives last a hell of a long time and can be sharpened ( not the carbide blades obviously) my old Stanley’s stay in the workshop these days.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Exactly how I've begun to use my Ral -- on the job site to save my Stanleys.

[@Struggle.Snuggles]

So I recently started using a few different Stanley Planers and absolutely enjoy using them in favor of my electric planer, more control and dare I say a better finish. Having looked up on the Rali, I can see why newer workers or even those that want something to be simple would like this. However, seeing the prices and pros and cons, I can't see myself wanting a Rali, having already fine tuned my planers and I already sharpen my knives, this isn't a major deal for me to want a Rali.

[@Amazeran]

Just found your channel and I really like it. You remember me of the master I've learned my craft from. I use a Rali in my standart toolbox for construction site or installing furniture. It's just the best and easiest multi-purpose plane. And it doesn't care about humidity and temperature. And I can use it on plate material without any thoughts about the future, I just can change blades after ruining them. In the shop for smoothing I still prefer a Stanley 4.5 with Aogami blade. And if I need perfect finish, I use the japanese plain that mustn't leave the room. But that's actually overkill. I would absolutely recommed anybody a Rali as the first plane to buy. Be it for hobby or even if you are an apprentice of joinery (my apprentices usually use my Rali in their exams, to get acceptable results with less worries and in a stressy situation, where time is the big problem). And yes, I'm one of these Europeans not actually reading manuals. I prefer Videos, it's so much easier than text and pictures.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the input. My Rali is a job site plane as well.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Great presentation and excellent points. These commenters who whine about disposable blades, landfills and such, do not have a care in the world when shopping for groceries or ordering goods online. These two activities alone make millions of tons of waste each year. Cannot imagine the average woodworker going through a dozen or so blades in a year. Maybe. And besides, one needs a method and the tools to sharpen edges. Not cheap either. Woodworkers are known for tool snobbery and the endless pursuit of acquiring the most rare, expensive and named tools ever made.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

As far as the longevity of blades goes, we've just completed the carpentry for a new 1800-sq. ft. shop (about 4 months of hard work). I purposely used the Rali for everything that required a hand plane, and have yet to wear out a single carbide blade. I still think it's as ugly as sin, but it makes a great job-site plane.

[@flashwashington2735]

Well done.

[@johnsrabe]

I am convinced the Rali is great for beginners like me. I am also sure that I won’t get one because the Stanley’s are just so damn beautiful and I want to learn to use them properly someday. (BTW: The Thos Moser once explained planes to me. I still don’t really understand how a flat thing with a projecting blade can ever make something flat.)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It has to do with a unique property of wood called "springback." Cutting wood is a stress-failure process -- the sharp edge of a cutter stresses wood fibers until the fail (read: break). As the wood is stressed, it is compressed very slightly. After it fails, it springs back. This is why it is so important to make thin shavings. When the thickness of the shavings are close to the springback, you get a reasonably flat surface. By the way, springback is also the reason you set your jointer knives a few thousandths of an inch (or hundredths of a millimeter) above the outfeed table.

[@johnsrabe]

@@WorkshopCompanion I have not seen this so clearly explained. Not even by Thos Moser! Thanks. And as always, arf.