Woodriver Hand Plane

Woodworking is an immensely rewarding and satisfying hobby for many people. Working with your hands to craft beautiful pieces of functional art from wood is a skill that takes patience, practice and the right set of tools. For many woodworkers, a quality hand plane is an essential item in their workshop. Hand planes help to flatten, smooth and shape wood by shaving off thin layers as you push the plane forward over the surface of the wood. While power tools like belt sanders can also smooth and shape wood, many woodworkers prefer the control and finesse that hand planes provide.

Woodriver is a popular and respected brand of hand planes and other woodworking tools. Woodriver tools are designed to provide superior performance and features while still being very affordable. In this buying guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Woodriver’s hand plane models so you can decide which model best fits your woodworking needs and budget.

What Exactly is a Woodriver Hand Plane?

A hand plane is a specialized tool used to flatten, smooth, and shape wood by cutting away thin layers of material as you push the plane forward across the wood’s surface. Hand planes have been used for centuries and consist of a flat blade or cutting edge secured at an angle in a metal or wooden body. The angled blade slices into the wood as you push forward, shaving off thin shavings. Hand planes excel at making gradual thinning or smoothing cuts in wood. They provide a high level of precision and control compared to other tools like belt sanders.

Woodriver hand planes are a modern take on these traditional woodworking tools. The company aims to provide high quality planes with premium features at an affordable price point. Woodriver planes are manufactured overseas to Woodriver’s specifications using quality materials.

Many characteristics can vary between the different Woodriver planes including the length, blade width, blade adjustments, and materials used. But all Woodriver planes have stainless steel blades hardened to hold a sharp edge, and lever style blade adjustment mechanisms for ease of use. Read on to learn more about the specifics of Woodriver’s various hand plane models.

How Do You Use a Woodriver Hand Plane?

Using a hand plane takes some practice to master, but Woodriver planes are designed for easy, smooth planing right out of the box. The basic technique is simple:

1. Make sure the blade is sharp and extends slightly from the sole of the plane. Use the lever cap and adjustment wheel to set the blade depth.
2. Place the plane flat on the surface of the wood with even pressure. Make sure it rests evenly on the sole and is not tilted to one side.
3. Use smooth, consistent hand pressure to push the plane forward across the wood grain. Let the blade do the work – don’t force it.
4. Make overlapping passes to gradually remove thin shavings of material.
5. Periodically check your progress and adjust the blade depth as needed to take finer shavings.

It’s important to take light passes and check your progress often. Removing too much material at once can gouge the wood. With practice, you’ll get a feel for how to read the wood grain and use the plane to create a smoothly flattened or shaped surface.

What Materials Are Used to Make Woodriver Hand Planes?

The materials used to construct a hand plane have a significant impact on its performance and durability. Woodriver uses high quality materials to give their planes longevity while keeping prices affordable. Here are the key materials found in Woodriver planes:

• Blades are made from hardened stainless steel for strength and rust resistance. Stainless steel holds an edge well.
• Bodies and adjustment components are precision-cast ductile iron. This provides a stable platform for smooth planing.
• Lever caps and handles are chrome-plated steel for durability and comfort.
• Knobs are made from durable rosewood for smooth turning and classic aesthetics.
• Frog pieces are steel for strength to hold blade alignment.
• Soles are machined cast iron for flatness.

The materials strike a balance between light weight for ease of use and sturdiness for smooth planing accuracy. Woodriver planes should provide many years of reliable service thanks to the quality materials used.

How Do Woodriver Hand Planes Compare to Other Brands?

Woodriver hand planes compete with other popular plane brands like Stanley, Lie-Nielsen, and Veritas. Here’s how Woodriver planes stack up:

• Price – Woodriver planes are more affordable than premium brands like Lie-Nielsen and Veritas while offering similar quality and features.
• Performance – Properly setup Woodriver planes work extremely well for most applications. However, top-tier planes from Veritas and Lie-Nielsen generally have finer machining and adjustments.
• Materials – Woodriver uses quality materials like ductile iron and stainless steel blades. High-end brands use more bronze and steel components.
• Features – Woodriver planes include nice features like steel adjustment wheels and chrome lever caps. Premium planes may have additional fine tuners and luxurious details.
• Value – Considering their materials, construction, and performance, Woodriver planes offer excellent value for money. You get impressive quality without the premium price tag.

For many woodworkers, Woodriver planes offer the ideal intersection of price, performance and features. While premium brands exceed them in ultimate precision, Woodriver planes deliver on quality while keeping costs reasonable. They are a great choice for value-conscious woodworkers.

Where Can I Buy a Woodriver Hand Plane?

Woodriver planes are sold through a variety of woodworking retailers both online and in physical store locations. Here are some of the best places to buy Woodriver hand planes:

• Woodcraft – This woodworking specialty store offers the full range of Woodriver planes both online and in their retail locations across the US.
• Amazon – You can find many Woodriver plane models for sale on Amazon, often at discounted prices. Models sell both direct from Amazon and some third party sellers.
• Rockler – Another woodworking retailer selling Woodriver planes at their store locations and website. Rockler often runs promotions on Woodriver tools.
• Hartville Tool – An online retailer offering free shipping on orders over $99 and carrying the Woodriver lineup.
• Zoro – This discount industrial supply store stocks Woodriver bench planes for sale on their website, often at lower prices.
• eBay – Used and open box Woodriver planes can sometimes be found for auction on eBay. Allows price comparison shopping.

For the best selection and prices, check multiple sources both online and locally. And take advantage of any sales, coupons or promotions you can find from sellers.

What Sizes Are Available for Woodriver Hand Planes?

Woodriver offers their planes in a range of sizes to suit different planing applications. Their bench plane selection includes:

• #3 Smoothing Plane (9″ length)
• #4 Smoothing Plane (14″ length)
• #41⁄2 Smoother (14″ length)
• #5 Jack Plane (14″ length)
• #5 1⁄2 Jack Plane (14″ length)
• #6 Fore Plane (22″ length)
• #7 Jointer Plane (22″ length)
• #8 Jointer Plane (24″ length)

The different sizes work for varying tasks. For example:

• The shorter #3 smoother excels at finishing tasks on small workpieces.
• Middle sized #4, #41⁄2, and #5 models handle general smoothing, chamfering and squaring jobs.
• Larger #6, #7, and #8 sizes are ideal for initial stock prep, truing edges, and flattening larger boards.

Woodriver also sells specialty hand plane models like block planes, shoulder planes, and wooden bodied planes. Overall they aim to provide a size option suitable for any hand planing task.

Are There Reviews for Woodriver Hand Planes?

Woodriver planes have been on the market for over a decade now, and there are numerous detailed reviews available online from both professionals and hobbyists. In general, reviews praise Woodriver planes for:

• Smooth performance – Properly tuned, most reviewers report Woodriver planes produce gossamer-thin smooth shavings and flatten boards with ease.
• Quality construction – Made from solid ductile iron and stainless steel, most reviewers say fit and finish is impressive for the price.
• Easy blade adjustments – The large adjustment wheels and sturdy lever caps make it simple to adjust blade depth and angle.
• Excellent value – Almost all reviews state Woodriver planes perform equal to or better than other planes costing much more.

Some reviewers note the planes may require a little tune-up out of the box to get everything squared and sharpened. But overall, Woodriver hand planes receive consistently positive reviews for their combination of quality, ease of use, and affordable price point.

How Do I Sharpen a Woodriver Hand Plane Blade?

Sharp blades are crucial for optimal hand plane performance. Woodriver planes come with decent edge hardness from the factory, but you’ll want to sharpen and hone the blade prior to your first use. Here’s a quick process:

• Start with a coarse stone (220-400 grit) to shape/reveal the edge bevel if needed. Use a blade guide jig for a consistent 25-30 degree angle.
• Move to a medium stone (800-1200 grit) and establish a clean bevel. Use oil or water per the stone type.
• Polish the bevel with a fine stone (2000+ grit). Clean up any coarse scratches.
• Hone a tiny micro-bevel (1-2°) using a leather strop charged with fine polishing compound. This forms the razor edge.
• Make gradual end strokes moving from heel to toe. Control angle consistently.
• Frequently wipe blade clean and check for burrs. Strive for an even, polished bevel culminating in a sharp edge.

It takes practice to effectively sharpen a hand plane blade. Go slowly and methodically. Regular sharpening touch-ups will be needed with use to maintain a surgical edge. The results are worth the effort!

What is the Best Woodriver Hand Plane for Beginners?

Beginning woodworkers should start out with a medium-sized smoothing plane like the Woodriver #4 plane. Here’s why it’s a great choice for beginners:

• The 14 inch length provides a stable base to make planing easier to master. Not too big or too small.
• The #4 size efficiently handles common smoothing and simple straightening jobs. A versatile plane to learn with.
• 2 1/4 inch blade width works for planing most boards. Narrower than a jack plane.
• Blade stays sharp fairly well, making learning easier.
• The lever cap mechanism is relatively foolproof for adjusting blade depth.
• Medium weight (5 lbs) avoids tiring out your arms during practice.
• Affordable price around $120. Won’t break the bank as a starter model.

The Woodriver #4 smoothing plane combines approachable size and functionality with good performance right out of the box. It lets you hone fundamental hand planing skills at a reasonable cost. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can graduate to larger sizes or more specialized planes for expanded capabilities.

How Do I Maintain a Woodriver Hand Plane?

Proper maintenance helps a Woodriver plane work like new for many years or decades. Here are some tips:

• Clean thoroughly after each use – brush away dust, wipe down with an oily cloth.
• Check for blade nicks – sharpen out any imperfections so they don’t persist.
• Lubricate adjustment points with paste wax or light machine oil occasionally.
• Verify blade squareness to sole periodically. Tap corners to realign if needed.
• Clean off rust spots quickly with fine abrasives to prevent spreading.
• Confirm sole flatness using a precision straightedge. Lap gently if it becomes uneven.
• Store the plane with a light coat of oil and loosen the lever cap so the blade isn’t tensioned during storage.
• Regularly sharpen the blade to maintain a keen edge. This also removes small dings over time.

With basic care and maintenance, a Woodriver plane should stay accurate and provide silky smooth planing for many years of woodworking enjoyment.

Are Woodriver Hand Planes Suitable for Fine Woodworking?

While Woodriver planes are reasonably priced, they are fully capable of tackling demanding fine woodworking jobs. Here are some examples:

• Smoothing figured woods like curly maple for a glassy surface
• Cutting end grain to flatten and trim joints precisely
• Trimming veneers and inlays flush with surrounding surfaces
• Chamfering delicate edges on small boxes and jewelry cases
• Final smoothing of chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces
• Removing twist and wind from troublesome grain patterns
• Prepping guitar necks and bodies for finishing stages

With a well sharpened blade and careful technique, Woodriver planes can produce gossamer shavings perfect for fine detailed work. The quality and precision of the construction gives them the potential for even the most exacting tasks when properly tuned. While premium planes exist, Woodriver models offer an excellent balance of affordability and functionality for countless fine woodworking applications.

How Much Does a Woodriver Hand Plane Cost?

Woodriver hand plane prices vary based on the size and model but generally range from $100 up to $250. Here are some typical MSRP prices:

• #3 Smoothing Plane – $145
• #4 Smoothing Plane – $125
• #41⁄2 Smoothing Plane – $165
• #5 Jack Plane – $175
• #5 1/2 Jack Plane – $189
• #6 Fore Plane – $225
• #7 Jointer Plane – $245
• #8 Jointer Plane – $275

Note that these are full retail prices directly from Woodriver. Discounts are frequently available from retailers like Woodcraft, Rockler, Amazon, and others. Sales prices typically run 10-25% lower than MSRP. Search for current deals.

For the performance, Woodriver planes are very reasonably priced compared to premium brands like Lie-Nielsen and Veritas that can run $300+. The Woodriver lineup delivers great bang for the buck.

Are There Discounts Available on Woodriver Hand Planes?

Yes, you can often find Woodriver hand planes on sale for 10-25% off MSRP pricing. Here are some tips for finding and stacking discounts:

• Check retailer sites for any sales or promotions on Woodriver planes. Sign up for their newsletters to receive sale announcements.
• Look for Woodriver planes coupon codes from third party deal sites. Codes often provide 5-15% off.
• Buy Woodriver planes during seasonal sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Father’s Day sales, etc. Deep discounts are common.
• Sign up for membership programs from woodworking retailers to access member pricing discounts on Woodriver tools.
• Buy open box/display Woodriver planes from retailers – can be deeply discounted for essentially new condition.
• Watch for Rockler’s “Free Shipping” promotions to avoid paying shipping costs.
• Buy larger sets of Woodriver planes for additional bundled savings compared to individual planes.

Taking advantage of sales, coupons, rebates and other promotions can make Woodriver planes even more affordable. Check regularly around major holidays and events for best pricing.

Can a Woodriver Hand Plane Effectively Plane Hardwoods?

Woodriver hand planes are fully capable of planing even the hardest hardwood species. Their sharp stainless steel blades and sturdy construction allow them to smoothly plane woods like:

• Brazilian Walnut
• Purpleheart
• Bubinga
• Cocobolo
• African Mahogany
• Bloodwood

And many other dense tropical species. The key is to take light passes, maintain an extremely sharp edge, and potentially upgrade to a higher angle frog (50 degrees) on smoother planes. Let the razor sharp blade do the cutting rather than forcing the plane.

With the right technique, Woodriver planes can effectively tame even the wildest interlocked and reversing grain patterns found in ornery hardwoods. The thickness and stability of the ductile iron body prevents chatter. Overall, Woodriver planes have the quality to flatten, smooth, and shape even the most challenging woods.

What is the Return Policy for Woodriver Hand Planes?

Woodriver hand planes sold directly through Woodriver.com come with a 90 day return policy. If you are unsatisfied with the product, simply return it in new condition within 90 days for a replacement or refund.

Policies vary when buying through retailers:

• Woodcraft – 1 year return policy on unused items.
• Amazon – 30 day returns on most Woodriver planes.
• Rockler – 60 day returns on unused items with receipt.
• Hartville Tool – 30 days with 20% restocking fee.

Check the specific return policy details before buying, especially from third party sellers. Many retailers like Woodcraft also offer extended warranty plans for added coverage on Woodriver tools beyond the standard return window.

How Do I Adjust the Blade on a Woodriver Hand Plane?

Woodriver planes make it easy to adjust the blade for fine tuning:

• Loosen the lever cap to release blade tension.
• Rotate the adjustment wheel in front to retract or extend the blade. Each turn moves it 0.10mm.
• Lock the lever cap down to secure the blade at the desired depth.
• For blade angle, tap the rear with a hammer or use the set screw (if equipped).
• Test on scrap wood and re-adjust as needed for ideal thin, continuous shavings.

Go slowly – the adjustment wheel provides precise control. Finding the optimum blade extension and angle for tasks like final smoothing may take some trial and error. But the process is straightforward. Just take your time dialing in the perfect setting.

Are Woodriver Hand Planes Available in Sets?

Woodriver offers their bench hand planes in money saving sets that group models for different functions:

• Smoothing Plane Set – Contains #3, #4, and #4.5 smoothing planes. Great for fine detail work and surface prep.
• Jack Plane Set – #5 and #5.5 size jack planes handle rough dimensioning and rapid stock removal.
• Jointer Plane Set – #6, #7, and #8 planes for edge jointing, face flattening, and initial smoothing.
• Premium Bench Plane Set – Combines the smoothing, jack, and jointer plane sets for a complete range.

The sets cost 15-20% less than purchasing individually. They provide a logical progression of planes for comprehensive hand work from rough dimensioning through fine finishing. Sets are a smart way for both beginners and established woodworkers to equip their workshop with a full set of hand planes.

What is the History of the Woodriver Brand?

Woodriver tools originated in 2006 as an affordable line of quality woodworking tools to sell through Woodcraft stores and their catalogs. The goal was to provide an accessible option for cost-conscious woodworkers rather than only premium-priced tools.

The Woodriver brand is owned by Woodcraft – one of the largest woodworking retailers in the US with over 70 stores nationwide. Woodriver hand planes and other Woodriver tools are designed and commissioned by Woodcraft but manufactured overseas (mostly in India and China) to hit affordable price points.

While not made in America, Woodcraft closely oversees the manufacturing process for Woodriver. Production involves trusted high-quality foundries and factories with proven capabilities. By selling under their own brand name directly through their retail channels, Woodcraft can provide exceptional value compared to third party branded tools.

Over a decade later, Woodriver has grown into one of the most popular hand plane options for everyone from hobbyists to professionals. Their combination of performance, features, and competitive pricing has made them a staple in workshops across the country.

How Do I Clean a Woodriver Hand Plane?

Regular cleaning keeps a Woodriver hand plane in smooth working order:

• Use a brass brush to gently remove wood dust from the metal surfaces. Avoid abrasives.
• Wipe all parts down with a rag dampened with a small amount of mineral spirits to remove grime.
• Use an old toothbrush to clean inside the knob and tote.
• Carefully clean the blade with solvents like acetone or alcohol. Remove all pitch and resin buildup.
• Remove the lever cap and frog to clean debris from the mating surfaces.
• Apply a light coat of oil to the metal surfaces to prevent rusting. Wipe away all excess.
• Tighten any loose screws. Check for loose hardware.
• Inspect mating surfaces and apply paste wax to the sole, frog, sides, etc. to keep things sliding smoothly.

Take your time and clean systematically. Proper cleaning and care keeps a Woodriver plane performing like new.

Are There Accessories for Woodriver Hand Planes?

Woodriver offers a full range of compatible plane accessories to enhance the functionality of their planes:

• Replacement blades – It’s smart to have fresh sharp blades ready to swap in as needed.
• Narrow blades – Allow easier trimming along edges for planes like the #4 smoother.
• Cambered blades – Pre-ground curvature makes quick work of rough stock removal.
• Frogs – Upgrade to higher angle frogs (50-55 degrees) for tricky grain.
• Blade setting jigs – Help to consistently sharpen blades at precise angles.
• Flattening stones – Lap the sole to restore flatness when it eventually wears uneven.
• Plane socks – Protect planes from dust and dings when not in use.
• Tote & knob sets – Replace older handles to give planes a facelift.
• Depth stops – Limit blade projection for tasks like chamfering or rabbeting.

Browse Woodriver’s accessory selection to customize your plane for specialty tasks or improve functionality. Quality accessories help maximize the potential of Woodriver planes.