Woodriver Jack Plane

Finding the Right Jack Plane for Your Workshop

As a woodworker, one of the most essential hand tools you can have is a high-quality jack plane. This medium-length plane allows you to flatten boards, square edges, trim wood, and perform countless other tasks with ease. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which jack plane is right for you?

In my experience, one of the best jack plane brands for beginners is WoodRiver. WoodRiver planes offer excellent value and performance right out of the box, without the premium price tag of boutique toolmakers. In particular, the WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane is a fantastic option for new woodworkers looking to equip their shop.

In this buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the ideal WoodRiver jack plane. We’ll cover features, materials, comparisons to other brands, where to buy, costs, discounts, and much more. Let’s get started!

What Exactly is a WoodRiver Jack Plane?

First, let’s cover the basics. A jack plane is a medium-sized bench plane, generally ranging from 14 to 16 inches long. The jack plane falls right between a smoother plane and a jointer plane in size and function. This versatility is what makes the jack plane so useful.

The WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane has a 14″ length and 2 3/8″ cutter width. This allows it to perform well for a variety of planing tasks. Long enough to flatten larger surfaces, but short enough for finesse work.

Some key features of the WoodRiver #5 Jack include:

• Ductile cast iron body for durability
• Lever cap with high clamping pressure
• 2 1/4″ width blade of A2 tool steel
• Frog adjustment for depth of cut
• Came with blade, cap iron, and plastic case
• Weighs 6 lbs

This winning combination of size, features, and materials makes the WoodRiver an excellent choice as an all-around jack plane for any workshop.

How to Use the WoodRiver Jack Plane

One of the WoodRiver jack plane’s best attributes is its ease of use, even for woodworking beginners.

The first step is sharpening and installing the blade correctly. The A2 steel blade comes with a 25 degree bevel angle, which is ideal for a jack plane. Make sure to hone it to a razor sharp edge. Insert it into the mouth with the cap iron backed off slightly from the edge.

Next, adjust the frog so the mouth opening is tight enough to slice shavings but not so tight that the blade jams. A business card thickness behind the blade is a good starting point.

Now you’re ready to start planing! Apply even downward pressure on the handles as you push the plane forward with the grain. Take thin shavings by turning the depth knob gradually. The large, comfortable tote and knob make the WoodRiver a pleasure to use.

As you get more experienced, you can fine tune everything from mouth opening to blade extension. But the WoodRiver makes it easy to get great results as a beginner. Just keep your blade sharp!

Durable Cast Iron and Sharp Steel: Materials That Matter

WoodRiver jack planes are designed from quality materials built to last a lifetime.

The main body is constructed of ductile cast iron. This gives it the heft and vibration resistance you need in a bench plane, while allowing for easier machining versus more brittle gray iron.

Fitted to the body is the A2 tool steel blade. A2 steel holds an edge incredibly well. It’s air-hardened for a durable edge that can be honed razor sharp. The additional chromium in A2 helps it resist corrosion.

Other highlights include the bronze cap iron to fight rust, brass adjustment hardware that won’t oxidize, and a comfortable hardwood tote and knob. The lever cap provides plenty of downforce to keep the blade secure.

Overall, the materials used in WoodRiver planes represent an impressive value for the performance. You get the feel of a premium plane without the premium price.

How WoodRiver Compares to Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, and Stanley

WoodRiver jack planes offer an excellent balance of quality and value in a mid-price bench plane. But how do they stack up against other popular jack plane brands like Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, and vintage Stanley planes? Here’s an overview:

• Lie-Nielsen – High-end American made planes with premium price tags. Better quality control but 2-3x the price of WoodRiver.
• Veritas – Very well made Canadian planes from Lee Valley. More expensive than WoodRiver but with some added features.
• Stanley – Classic American bench plane brand. Quality of vintage models is good. Newer Stanleys are more affordable but quality is mixed.

WoodRiver hits a nice sweet spot between the premium price yet high quality of Lie-Nielsen/Veritas planes and the budget price but inconsistent quality of newer Stanley planes.

For many woodworkers, the WoodRiver delivers 95% of the performance at 50% of the price of the top brands. It’s a great intersection of quality, value, and cost!

Where to Buy the WoodRiver Jack Plane

So where can you pick up an authentic WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane? There are a couple good options:

Woodcraft – My top choice is buying directly from Woodcraft, as they design the WoodRiver line and have the full selection. You can purchase in Woodcraft stores or buy online and have the jack plane shipped to you.

Amazon – The WoodRiver Jack Plane can also sometimes be purchased thru Amazon. Availability isn’t as consistent but pricing may be competitive.

Used marketplace – You can sometimes find used WoodRiver planes for sale on eBay, Craigslist or forums. Take care to inspect condition first.

For the best experience, I recommend buying directly from Woodcraft. Their expertise and customer service for the WoodRiver line of tools is unmatched.

Cost and Discounts: Get the Best Deal

Considering its quality and performance, the WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane represents an excellent value for woodworkers. The MSRP is $175 but there are always ways to save:

• Watch for sales events on the Woodcraft website, especially around holidays. The jack plane is sometimes discounted 15-20%.
• Check for any coupons from Woodcraft. They regularly offer percent-off discounts that can score you savings.
• Buy open box/used. Woodcraft sells open box returns at a discount. Or check used markets for deals.
• Bundle in accessories. Picking up extra blades or other additions at the same time can qualify you for multi-item discounts.

With a little strategizing, you can often grab the WoodRiver Jack Plane for around $150 or less. That’s an amazing deal for a plane of this caliber. Just buy directly from Woodcraft when the price hits your target number.

Planing Perfection: Using the Jack on Hardwoods

The WoodRiver jack plane performs beautifully across a variety of woods, including hardwoods. The A2 steel blade stays sharp, and the weight of the ductile iron body glides it across the surface.

For optimal performance on hardwoods like oak, maple, walnut, etc, here are a few tips:

• Sharp blade is a must! Harder woods require an extra-fine edge. Hone blade until it slices end grain effortlessly.
• Take light passes. Set for thinner shavings, especially on figured woods. Up to 1/16″ max depending on density.
• Watch your grain direction. Avoid planing against the grain as this can cause tearout.
• Skew the plane up to 45 degrees when needed. This shears fibers for a cleaner cut on tricky grains.
• Use a tighter mouth setting. A close mouth prevents tearout as the blade cuts into denser hardwoods.

Set up properly, the WoodRiver jack really sings on hardwood. The weight and sharp steel make quick work of taming even the most unruly grain patterns!

Love Your Plane: Maintenance and Care

Like any fine woodworking tool, taking proper care of your WoodRiver jack plane will keep it performing like new for years. Here are some tips:

• Clean regularly – Remove shavings, dust and grime from the body, frog, mouth and lever cap. Alight coat of paste wax helps prevent rust.
• Check blade tightness – Ensure the lever cap is maintaining consistent downward pressure to avoid chatter.
• Lubricate adjustments – Keep the frog and depth knob moving smoothly with a drop of light machine oil.
• ** Store safely** – Keep the jack plane in a protective case or chest when not in use. Protect the blade edge.
• Inspect often – Check for any cracks, wear or damage. Tighten any loose screws.
• Sharpen frequently – A sharp blade is paramount! Hone at the first sign of dullness for best performance.

Treating your WoodRiver jack plane with care will ensure it delivers perfect planes for life. A well-tuned plane is a joy to use!

Joining Boards with the Jack Plane

While a longer jointer plane is ideal for straightening edges and joining boards, the WoodRiver jack plane can also handle moderate jointing tasks. Here are some pointers:

• First ensure your jack plane blade is sharpened straight across. Use a guide jig if needed.
• For edge jointing, use the full width of the blade. Take very light shavings.
• For face jointing, bevel up with a tight mouth is best. Skew the plane to avoid tearout.
• For end grain, take extremely fine cuts. Back off the blade if it starts to dig in.
• Check your work often with a straightedge. Mark any remaining high spots.
• Finish by taking a final light pass along the full length.

While it may take a bit more time and checking than with a jointer, the WoodRiver jack can produce perfectly straight edges when used with care. Just take light cuts and watch your technique.

Cost Analysis: Is the WoodRiver Worth the Investment?

With most quality woodworking tools, you have to pay more upfront for something that will last. So is the WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely. Here is some cost analysis:

• The MSRP of $175 means a cost of $12 per inch of length. Very low for the quality.
• Used daily and cared for, it should outlast cheaper planes that must be replaced repeatedly.
• Impeccable machining means it performs like planes double the price right out of the box.
• You get the functionality of both a smoothing plane and mild jointer plane in one tool.
• Outstanding resale value if you ever decide to upgrade. Holds value much better than cheaper planes.

While not dirt cheap, the WoodRiver jack plane delivers exceptional value for woodworkers of any skill level. When you consider the durability and performance, it will pay for itself many times over. A wise investment!

Adjusting the Plane for Perfect Cuts

One advantage of the WoodRiver design is how easy it makes tuning and setup. Getting the cutting depth and mouth opening just right for a specific task takes only seconds. Here are the key adjustments:

• Frog – Move forward or back to control mouth opening. Tighter for hardwoods/end grain.
• Depth knob – Turn clockwise to take a deeper cut. Start shallow and increase gradually.
• Lateral lever – Allows slight sideways tilt of blade for miters or chamfers.
• Lever cap – Add or relieve pressure on the blade assembly as needed.

I recommend taking sample passes on scrap stock and tweaking until the plane is dialed in. Starting with a conservative cut depth and mouth opening is wise to prevent tearout. The WoodRiver makes fine tuning a breeze!

Available Sizes: Choosing the Right Jack Plane

WoodRiver offers their jack planes in two different sizes:

• #5 at 14″ long with 2 3/8” blade
• #5 1/2 at 15″ long with 2 5/8″ blade

The #5 is the ideal size for general purpose use. The #5 1/2 offers a wider cut, which is helpful for jointing or larger surfaces. But it loses some maneuverability for finesse work.

Most woodworkers will be well served by the WoodRiver #5 as their sole jack plane. It’s a versatile size that excels at everything from smoothing narrow stock to flattening tabletops.

If doing lots of wide surfaces, the #5 1/2 can speed up material removal. But for one jack plane, I recommend the standard #5 for the best balance of function. You won’t be disappointed!

The WoodRiver Brand: A Brief History

The WoodRiver line of hand tools is relatively new, but has made quite a splash. Here’s a quick history:

• Launched in 2007 by U.S. company Woodcraft Supply
• Created as an affordable pro-quality tool line priced below boutique brands
• Entire line is manufactured at factories in China and Taiwan
• Planes designed from the ground up to perform exceptionally well right out of the box
• WoodRiver has grown to offer hundreds of tools covering planes, chisels, saws, workbenches, and accessories

While a newcomer brand, WoodRiver has built a reputation for delivering premium performance and feel at a reasonable price point. The jack plane exemplifies this sweet spot of quality, value and cost.

Keeping Your Jack Plane in Top Shape

A WoodRiver jack plane will provide years of faithful service. But like any fine tool, keeping it properly cleaned, lubricated and tuned is essential. Here are pro tips:

Lubricate the depth adjustment threads and wheel with light machine oil. A drop on the back of the frog reduces friction as well.

Inspect for rust. Remove any spots with 400 grit paper and reapply paste wax. Keep the plane in a protective box when not in use.

Check blade tightness by removing the blade and reinserting. The lever cap should maintain firm downward pressure with no wiggle.

Clear shavings from the mouth whenever they start to clog, preventing jamming. Brush away any dust buildup.

Confirm flatness by placing the sole on a known flat surface like glass. Sand out any rocking.

Simple habits like these will keep your jack plane running like new for decades. A few minutes attention goes a long way!

Recommended Accessories and Add-Ons

To get the most from your new WoodRiver Jack Plane, here are some handy accessories to consider:

• Extra blades – It’s smart to have spare sharp blades ready to swap in as needed.
• Low angle blade – The 25 degree A2 blade excels for most tasks, but a low angle blade is nice for tricky grain.
• Blade setting jig – Makes it easy to consistently set the blade depth just right.
• Flattening stone – Keep the sole flat by lapping periodically on a diamond stone.
• Guide – Makes it easier to hold the plane vertically for chamfers or bevels.
• Zero-clearance throat – Drop in plate to reduce tearout on challenging woods.

Start with just the plane itself – you can add accessories over time. But an extra blade or two is highly recommended to improve your workflow.

Summary: Why the WoodRiver Jack Plane Belongs in Your Shop

For both new and experienced woodworkers alike, the WoodRiver #5 Jack Plane is an excellent choice as an all-purpose bench plane. It pairs premium performance with great value.

Made from quality ductile cast iron and A2 tool steel, it’s built to last through years of regular use. The materials and machining rival planes costing twice as much.

The medium 14″ length and 2 3/8” blade width make it versatile for any smoothing, flattening, or moderate jointing task. It’s easy to dial in for both fine work and heavy stock removal.

From the first shaving you slice, it’s clear the thoughtful design makes the WoodRiver a pleasure to use. The heft and precision instill confidence. This is a plane that will make you want to find excuses to use it!

While premium boutique planes cost a lot more, and cheaper planes disappoint out of the box, the WoodRiver hits that magical sweet spot. You simply can’t find a better combination of quality, value and cost.

For anyone looking to equip their shop with an excellent jack plane, this is it. Bring the WoodRiver Jack Plane home to your workbench – you’ll be glad you did!