Rali Swiss Planes

[John Bush]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bushhog104/PICT0085.jpgI bought a shop full of tools from an estate and it included these Rali planes. I haven't seen this type before and wondered if any of you are familiar with them. They are well made(Swiss), and have replacable/disposable blades. I am listing them on the classifieds thread, and would like additional info from all you knowlegable Neanders. Thanks, John.http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bushhog104/PICT0084.jpg

[Michael Schwartz]

They are still made if you are looking for prices

I have seen one of theese with the plastic handle broken off, and various other parts having been abused.

Stanely tried the disposable blade Idea and it wasn't all that successful. Good for a carpenter who doesnt' know how to sharpen tools, but can never be truly sharp.

I really don't know if theese are any good, would probably be mediocre to say the least, but the one I have seen wasn't in a condition to be used.

[Andy Hsieh]

rali swiss planes are still available @ hartville tools - never heard of anyone actually buying them though.

andy

[John Shuk]

I've seen people buy them at the woodworking shows. I'm sure the guy demoing them makes good use of them for the audience. Don't know if that translates to being good to use at home though.

[paul hamler]

I have owned 3 models of the Rali planes for about 20 years. I bought the firdt one at the IWF show in Atlanta back in the 80's when they were first introduced.I bought an extra set of blades with my first plane, As I recall the year they were introduced the plane won one of the awards for the most innovative design at the show. Having an assortment of handplanes in the shop including many vintage Stanley planes I was amazed at the unique design as well as the ease and simplicity of manufacturing,I had just began my transition from woodworker and user of hand tools to making woodworking tools.The Rali quickly became my favorite or first choice plane to reach for. Over the years the plane has had many hours of use and recently I did a kitchen remodeling project for my daughters first starter house. While installing two mitered sections of kitshen counter tops there was a bit of trimming required for a better fit, After trying rasps and other tools to shave off a bit of the particle board covered witl formica I resorted to the small Rali block plane. The plane quiskly and precisely cut the particle board and formica counter top mitre for a perfect fit. The amazing thing was the ability of the blade to keep an edge and not chip or dull. I have used 2 blades in 20 years. I have no connection with Rali or anyone else who sells these planes,I simply like to share a good product when they work.
Paul Hamler
http://hamlertools.blogspot.com/