Ripmax Professional Balsa plane

Hello, I'm curious about this Ripmax Professional Balsa plane, and was wondering if anyone here has had first hand experience with it?

www.ripmax.com/Item.aspx?ItemID=T-RMXBP01&Category=140-050-050

I would like something that has a little more finesse when setting the cut depth than my current balsa plane, which is either too much or none at all, or, heavy shaving on one side an none on the other!

I assume you have the David mini plane which needs patience to adjust precisely. The Ripmax version cant be any worse - i'll wait for your review.

I do have a David plane Kevin, and as lovely as it is it could be better

I've just ordered the Ripmax plane having seen this pic of the rear:



It looks like the two allen key adjustments will enable controlled inching of the blade in and out as well as centring... Well that's my hope.

As to blades, the only pics I've seen are blades in wrappers, but they are labeled 'Feather' which is a Japanese company that makes lots of blades, but looking at the wrapper it is my hope they are old fashion double edged razor blades, ie dirt cheap if bought on the internet, but also available at supermarkets... and I already have quite a stock of them. But this is all guess work, I'll report back once it's in my hands.

The pics on Ripmax website show that the plane might have a blade "iron" - In which case you may get away with std razor blades - unlike the David mini plane which has no support and therefore needs the thicker OEM blades.

PS - just seen a special offer on at a certain tool shop and its OAP 10% discount today - watch this space !

kevinross wrote: PS - just seen a special offer on at a certain tool shop and its OAP 10% discount today - watch this space !

What could you possibly need that you don't already have Kevin?

And would this be Axminster?

I've used a miniature Stanley plane for years. Fiddly to sharpen, but very easy to set up. Made by Stanley USA. Bought from Flitehook,(Southampton) they might still sell them. Just found that you can get it on Amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-12-101-mini-Block-Flat/dp/B00002X1ZC

First impressions are good here it is next to the David plane.


There are two adjusters at the back that allow you to very finely inch the blade forward and ensure the cut is the same on both sides of the blade, this was exactly what I was after. The blade is very sharp, I have two cuts to show for it already :pinch:

The blade is a mystery, it's not a double edged blade like I had suspected, nor is it a single edged razor blade with the folded metal bit removed, nor is it a David plane blade... I think it might be a Feather 99001 blade, but no luck finding them in the UK, so it looks like I'll be buying Ripmax blades, but as it's only going to be used on balsa I doubt I'll be blunting the blade so fast as to make me resent paying £5.50 for five blades, I just need to remember to add them to my next order.

Over all I'm happy, it's not perfect, but heck it's only for balsa, and I'm grateful to say it is not one of those "tool shaped objects", I'll be using it a fair bit in the coming weeks so will report back if there's anything more to add.

Just what i need to improve the finish from my chainsaw !

Chris mentioned that

as it's only going to be used on balsa I doubt I'll be blunting the blade

I'm well aware that I'll be accused of pedantry for the following observation, but the fact is that a skilled joiner (and I know that Chris s one - he's often proved it with photo's of his workmanship) would never put a plane down as illustrated. If its set ready to cut the blade will be protruding from the plane's soleplate and the plane will be resting on the blade, not the soleplate, so the sharp edge won't stay sharp for long, even when it's only used on balsa wood!

Quite right David. Should've been resting other than blade down. Either that or the cost of a pack of 5 blades is negligible for Chris. On the other hand it could've been an oversight by skillful Chris or a deliberate attempt to see if anyone noticed. :lol: