Not having a #55, I can not speak directly to it, but I do get a some miles out
of my #45. For rabbets, I use a rabbet plane. Much easier with a dedicated plane
I am in custody of several (ok, too many) rabbet planes (Stanley #85s, Millers
Falls, a Lee Valley skew (gift to myself a few years ago), a Craftsman  branded
(Millers falls, I think), and a few woodies), setup is much easier than the
does-all, and the result, frankly, is better.


As to what Ed said:


> The only time I have a problem wi†h the single bar is when the bar comes
> loose and spins between stroke and the fence goes cattywompuss.


I didn't expect this when I first used an 85, figuring the fence was well
protected by being under the sole. When it happened, and I figured it was an
aberration. It happened again, so out came the loctite blue. Hasn't happened
since. I am also careful to set the fence such that the back support is in
contact with the sole.


I do tend to use the Lee Valley skew the most, though, because it is a skew, or
the Craftsman when going fenceless (it didn't come with one and I have not
bothered rectifying... I paid $1 for it, IIRC, about 10-- 15?-- years ago. I
don't know. At least one house ago.) The woodies don't get a lot of use
because..... they are less accessible, maybe.


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