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Early Access Video: The Rali Hand Plane (Patreon)

Published:
2024-03-02 12:00:07
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

Friends: 

I've had many requests to review the Rali line of handplanes. Rali is a Swiss company known for their space-age hand tool designs and use of novel materials. So far, they have mostly produced tools in a European style, but they recently introduced the 260 Handplane with British/American styling. I had to test it.

This plane is packed with innovative features so there's a lot to say. I had it in the shop for several weeks and gave it a thorough test. The results might surprise you. 

As usual, I paid full retail for this tool and Rali doesn't even know I'm making the video. This is the way I want to review things: without the company even knowing about it. I want them to have no influence at all. Because of your support, I can do exactly that. 

Thank you!

--Rex

Files

Previews only

rali plane patron

Check out Rali planes: https://rali-shop.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJOxJLodBqWat25KXYTAshKuMG6xsQHEJ9UkdU3ovlNBBxkcZwTCfCTBoCURkQAvD_BwE

Comments

ETL

thank you for this Rex.

Sean McGown

The solution? Create a sharpener similar to one of the old razor blade sharpeners. Take the blade out, slap it into the motorized sharpener, spin it for one minute and you're done.

Koen de Boeve

Great review. I would also add that we should get rid of our ‘disposable everything’ mentality and get back to a sustainable way of life. Fix and reuse instead.

Jim

That is a pretty smart looking plane Rali created, here's hoping they can make a version with the alterations you suggested :)

Skully Wood and Metal

Great video Rex. I was surprised the bottom wasn't flat. You didn't mention the cost of replacement blades.

Chris St. Cyr

Well done review. Fair criticism. I struggled for years to learn how to sharpen blades. After your reviews on some inexpensive diamond plates, and the purchase of a honing guide I improved. Now I recognize when my planes and chisels are becoming full quicker and because I can sharpen better I sharpen more often improving my results. I could imagine running dull, disposable blades longer because I don’t want to buy more. Dull tools result in poor results. That makes project building less fun.

Brian Taylor

I think you're right about this plane not being for your target audience - those who aspire to artisinal craftsmanship and who enjoy the process as much as the product. You identified the jobsite contractor as someone who would benefit from this evolution. I would add to that, times 10, the weekend warrior. The guy/gal who has stuff that needs to get done around the house between running the kids to soccer and grocery shopping. The person that really doesn't have any interest in the sharpening process. Grab the plane, stuff in a fresh blade if necessary, and get it done. For the record, I like sharpening. But I love my DW735 thickness planer with non-sharpenable double edged blades. And I shave in the morning with a disposible razor. I'll wager that Rex does not use a straight razor on his handsome pate, because he just wants to get it done.

Brian Taylor
>>131230279

I see them on the Rali web site for $26 for a 5 pack of steel blades, and $48 for a 2 pack of carbide blades.

Daniel Bohrer

Uuuuuh, the video title alone gave me chills already 😅 thrilled for the content!

Jeff Griest

Nice review, Rex. I saw another review on this plane a few months back. My very first thought was, if the design doesn't well and is eventually discontinued where will you find blades? I agree though that maybe your average homeowner who doesn't want to learn sharpening would find it useful for occasional use. When you buy the plane purchase a quantity of blades to last thru the years and they'll be fine.

Sam Bender II
>>131227158

The problem with that though is if you nick it and need to remove a good chunk of metal you risk shortening the blade too far anyway

Sean McGown
>>131227158

Oh, for sure. If you really whack it good, you don't have much blade left to work with. But for just normal sharpening, it might work. Granted, I rotary sharpener with an electric motor isn't like hauling out diamond stones and doing an iron but at least it gets rid of some of the "Gilette syndrome".

Richard C von Brecht

Lots of passion in that video. But not just the passion it’s well structured. Might I say it “The craftsmanship shows” Start a second channel on producing YouTube videos. Like you don’t have enough to do anyway ;-)

Max Goldstein
>>131229175

I doubt it. It seems like the whole redesigned center is built around disposable blades.

Dan Joyce
>>131228195

I do think this is a good point/conversation, but I'm not sure it's that cut-and-dry. What is the impact of the production of whatever sharpening system used? Is that comparable, over time, to the impact of the plastic and blade construction? I really don't know. I sort of doubt it, but I just don't know.

Richard C von Brecht
>>131234792

At that price I think that the target market is mostly professionals who want to use time effectively and not fool with stropping their blades. I’m not sure it’ll be winner in that market. The pro’s have gone to the yellow and black battery powered tools. Having said that the ability to quickly change the blades might be attractive to them. Plus, a battery tool doesn’t give you the fine control and isn’t as versatile.

Borjan Tchakaloff

Wait a minute, is the restoration course out? I just checked and couldn't find it here, on YouTube, or on woodworkforhumans.com *anguish*

DeQster

Well how about that... The Stanley #4 and The Henson AL13 had a baby.... awwwwww <3

Rob Weir

A few years ago I was looking round a local Flea Market - I was in the market for what would have been pretty much my first Bench Plane, which is what led me to Rex - and one of the ones in there was a Stanley RB10 - RB meaning Replaceable Blade! Even as a Newbie I wasn't convinced by it, especially as I couldn't help but think that the blades might be hard to get hold of. It turns out they are still available - but there's the same argument with the Rali. The Rali looks a much better thought out but of kit, but even so - I think Rex is right, for the Hobbyist, who often tends to have more time than money, there are better options for less money, or you can buy a genuinely high quality Veritas or similar.

John Thomas

I bet one of group out there in “wood land” could come up with a jig so those blades could be sharpened.

Rick Prosser

"Meet me on camera 2" :) :) ! !

Chris Grosvenor

As a cynic I can't help but feel like their main motivation in making the blade disposable was to make you keep giving them money after you've already purchased their product. No thank you! Awesome review.

Chris Hornberger - Lazy Gretl Wood Works

Lovingly, respectfully, I disagree. The notion of swapping a blade and getting back to the heirloom furniture....? Hell yeah. I'm in. As you say; we're building furniture. We're not honing for the sake of honing. We're not stroking tools for the sake of stroking tools. Also, por que no los dos...? For someone with like 100 planes, adding one of these to your arsenal seems like an utterly, completely no brainer. ;)

Rex Krueger
>>131227158

The way they've set up the adjuster, I don't know if you can alter the blade at all and still have it work. There's also the lack of lateral lever, so your sharpening must be perfect. Still might work.

Rex Krueger
>>131228195

I'm generally not interested in anything disposable in woodworking, but the occasional hardpoint saw seems okay with me. They last a long time.

Rex Krueger
>>131229175

That would be nice. I'm not sure they're really interested in the furniture market if it means they need to change the product.

Rex Krueger
>>131230279

Yes, I should have mentioned that the replacement blades aren't cheap. I honestly didn't even look. Disposable is a deal-breaker for me at any price....but other people were clearly curious, so I'll do that in the future.

Rex Krueger
>>131230634

I think most of us put off sharpening a little longer than we should, but you're entirely right. The disposable blade thing will make you REALLY put it off.

Rex Krueger
>>131234792

I admit, I don't think it's really aimed at homeowners. I don't think most of those folks even know what a plane is. (I'm speaking for the States here). They do make a cheaper model, and that one probably is geared more toward the casual user.

Rex Krueger
>>131238164

God, I have like 4 second channels I want to do: blacksmithing, business of YouTube, guitar/lap-steel, and video essays about film and television. I won't be getting to any of them as long as I'm doing this. And that's okay.

Rex Krueger
>>131265091

It's not that it's impossible, its that the manufacturer clearly doesn't want you doing it. There's very little steel to work with and the blades (being double-edged) and difficult to hold and handle. I think it's just impractical.

Rex Krueger
>>131265588

There are a few companies who have tried this approach, going back to the 50s or 60s. It never caught on. I think that if you really need a plane, you're probably willing to learn how to sharpen. It's not that difficult and there's more information now than ever.

Rex Krueger
>>131269254

I agree....but I still don't think it's a very good idea. It's certainly possible, but that doesn't make it practical.

Rex Krueger
>>131375150

Honestly, that might have been part of the motivation, but I kind of doubt it. If they were most interested in selling you blades, they probably would have made the plane cheaper. Then again, I don't know what it cost to make, so I'm really speculating here.

Rex Krueger
>>131393712

Well, by all means grab one of these and use it! I would be super-interested in a long-term review. Are you still using it after a year? That would be a fascinating test.

Borjan Tchakaloff
>>131261652

Amazing! I suppose the patron-special deal is gone by now? Not that it's a problem as long as the money goes to your (company) pocket.

Peter R Schuck

Good video review I totally agree. As a newbie without seeing a video like this first. I would most likely jump on this due to lack of sharpening experience at all yet. We have used disposable blades in razors for decades. Even the multi bladed heads all disposable. So the leap to this again for a newbie looks great. In fact on their website they actually show how to sharpen the blades. I'll stick with the conventional planes I purchased that I need to learn to sharpen and setup. Your videos really help with that aspect. As do Paul Sellers as well. Rob Cosman is all about selling his gear. Yes he does charity work, helps people understand better. But to me as Australian, he's a bit like a Flim Flam man in the old days if you get my point. Appreciate being a supporter to you the best I can afford on a Disability Pension.

Will

Hey! I'm a carpenter who brings his sharpening stones to the jobsite! But yeah... you look like a real tool... Thanks for another great video and legitimately helpful review! I've suspiciously eyed these Rali planes a couple times over the past year or so and also been put off by the blade situation.

Greg Terry

How do we purchase the plane restoration course with the patreon member discount?