Ed,

Thanks for the info. I've been looking at the Stanley no. 78 but I've heard
several people complain about the fence and I've also heard it has trouble
with hardwoods. Can anyone here confirm or deny this? The Record 778 looks
great and (as you mention) addresses the fence issue, but I have yet to
find one for sale in person. I'd love to get my hands on a Veritas Skew
Rabbet plane (and will eventually someday) but for now, I can't justify the
expense. Which leads me back to wondering if should worry about getting a
rabbet plane (until I finally pony up for the Veritas) since I have the
Stanley no. 55.

-Dan