Woodriver Low Angle Jack Plane

As a woodworker, one of the most versatile and useful hand planes you can have in your shop is a low angle jack plane. This type of plane excels at truing up edges, thinning stock, shooting end grain, and many other tasks. It’s an essential plane for any hand tool woodworker.

One of the best low angle jack planes on the market is the WoodRiver model. WoodRiver tools are made for Woodcraft in China, and they offer excellent quality and performance at a reasonable price point.

In this complete buying guide, I’ll give you all the key information you need to decide if a WoodRiver low angle jack plane is right for your shop, how to choose the best model, top tips for using this tool, and everything else you need to know about WoodRiver’s fantastic low angle jack plane.

What is a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

A low angle jack plane has a blade that sits at a lower angle (usually 12-15 degrees) compared to a standard bench plane (45-50 degrees). This allows the plane to take very efficient shallow cuts, especially useful for working with grain patterns that can cause tear out in wood with a standard plane blade.

WoodRiver makes both standard and low angle versions of their jack plane. The standard #5 jack plane has a 45 degree blade, while the low angle version has a 38 degree blade. This shallower cutting angle makes it perfect for tasks like smoothing end grain, planing difficult figured woods, fine finish planing, and working with wild grain patterns.

Some key features and specs on the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane:

• 2-1/4″ wide iron
• A2 tool steel iron
• 38 degree blade bevel
• Adjustable mouth opening
• Norris-style adjuster for lateral blade adjustment
• Rosewood front and rear tote
• Satin black finish
• Weighs only 5 lbs

It’s a compact, versatile plane built with high quality components. The A2 steel hold an edge very well, and the Norris-style adjuster makes dialing in the blade alignment intuitive. Overall, it offers premium performance in a lightweight and comfortable hand plane.

How Do I Use a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

The WoodRiver low angle jack plane excels at taking fine, wispy shavings to produce a glassy smooth surface. The applications are virtually endless, but here are some of the most common uses:

• Smoothing end grain – The low angle blade prevents tear out on end grain. Skew the plane up to 45 degrees to further reduce tearing.
• Figured woods – The shallow cutting angle greatly reduces tear out in burled, curly, or wild grain patterns.
• Fine finish work – Take whisper thin shavings to create an incredibly smooth surface. Great for final smoothing before finishing.
• Small stock – The compact size makes it easy to plane thin parts or profiles.
• Edge jointing – Quickly true up glued up panels or table tops.
• Shooting end grain – Its ability to plane end grain makes it perfect for trimming dovetails, tenons, miters, etc.
• Smoothing curved surfaces – The narrow iron and small body work nicely on convex or concave profiles.

As you can see, there’s not much this user-friendly plane can’t handle! It takes a bit of practice to master the techniques of grain direction, blade adjustments, and hand positioning – but the learning curve is quite reasonable on the WoodRiver for a beginner starting out in hand tools.

What Materials Are Used in a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

WoodRiver selected high quality materials to give you good value at this plane’s price point:

• Iron – It uses an A2 tool steel iron, which has excellent edge retention and is easy to sharpen. It holds an edge about 3 times longer than standard carbon steel.
• Body – The body is made of grey cast iron. This gives it the right balance of weight and vibration dampening.
• Frog – Also cast iron, the frog beds the blade securely for minimal chatter.
• Tote & knob – Rosewood is used, which has a high end look and feel. Dense grain resists cracking or bruising.
• Lever cap – Polished chrome on the lever cap gives an attractive look. The curved design gives robust clamping strength.
• Hardware – The adjustment hardware, like the wheel for the Norris adjuster, is nickel-plated brass.

Overall, this plane combines budget friendly iron and frog with higher end tote, knob, and lever cap materials to offer good functionality with impressive aesthetics.

How Does The WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane Compare to Other Brands?

The WoodRiver low angle jack plane offers a very good balance of quality, cost, and performance:

• Less expensive than premium brands like Lie-Nielsen and Veritas, but still well-made.
• Significant step up from bargain brands like Anant and Quangsheng. Much more refined overall.
• Comparable quality to vintage Stanley Bedrocks, and better than standard vintage Stanley planes.
• On par with Woodcraft’s WoodRiver V3 line – same materials and construction. V3 has nicer tote shape.
• A decent step below top tier custom plane makers like Clifton and Holtey in terms of precision and exotic materials.

Unless you want to pay $500+ for a premium hand plane, the WoodRiver model is a very appealing option that outperforms basic budget planes. Beginner and intermediate woodworkers get great bang for the buck without breaking the bank.

Where Can I Buy a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

Since WoodRiver tools are the in-house brand for Woodcraft, that’s the one place you can buy them new:

• At any Woodcraft retail store location across the US – find a store.
• From the Woodcraft website. Items ship directly to you.
• On Amazon, shipped and sold through Woodcraft’s official Amazon seller profile.

You can also find used models for lower cost from various resellers:

• eBay often has listings for used and open box WoodRiver planes.
• r/handtools, r/woodworking and other forums.
• Local classified ads.

Checking used marketplaces can turn up good deals on lightly used models. Be sure to inspect carefully before purchasing.

What Are the Dimensions of a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

Here are the key measurements and weights:

• Length: 9 inches
• Width: 2.25 inches
• Height: 3 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Blade width: 2.25 inches
• Blade bevel angle: 38 degrees
• Maximum cut depth: 1/16 inches

As you can see, it’s a compact and lightweight low angle jack plane. The 9 inch length and 2-1/4 inch blade make it very comfortable to manipulate for all kinds of planing tasks.

It’s small and nimble enough for shooting end grain or working curved profiles, yet substantial enough to smoothly surface wider boards. A great size for a hand plane you’ll use frequently.

Are There Reviews for the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

The WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane gets excellent reviews from both professionals and hobbyists:

• Wood Magazine – “Well designed, well made, and affordable”
• Popular Woodworking – “Hard to beat for the money…a bargain”
• Paul Sellers – “Capable tool and good value”
• The English Woodworker – “A brilliant tool”
• Average Amazon Rating – 4.7 stars

Most reviews praise the WoodRiver for offering impressive quality and ease of use for a very reasonable price. It’s a great plane for everyone from beginners learning hand skills to professionals looking for good shop beater.

The few critical reviews focus on minor quirks that don’t dramatically impact performance for most users. Issues like slightly rough casting finish or loose tote screws are common complaints for planes in this price range.

How Do I Sharpen a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane Blade?

Sharpening the A2 steel iron on the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane is pretty straightforward:

• Flatten the back – Use sharpening stones to flatten the back until it’s dead flat. Start around 220 grit.
• Establish a 25 degree bevel – Sharpen at 25 degrees until you raise a burr along the edge. Go up to 1200-2000 grit stone.
• Micro-bevel at 30 degrees – Add a tiny 30 degree bevel to just the very edge, a few strokes on your finest stone.
• Strop the edge – Finish on a leather strop with polishing compound to refine and align the edge.
• Hone as needed – Use a 6000-8000 grit stone periodically when the edge starts to dull.

Focus on keeping the back flat, lifting a burr on the bevel, and minimizing the micro bevel. This will give you surgical sharpness from your WoodRiver iron. Always strop before use for a refined edge.

What is the Best Use for a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

The sweet spot where the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane really excels is fine smoothing work, especially in figured or wild grain:

• Taking gossamer thin shavings from highly figured woods like curly maple or birdseye. The low blade angle prevents tear out while leaving an amazingly glassy surface behind.
• Final smoothing of any wood before finishing. It leaves almost no trace of plane tracks when used with a light touch.
• Reducing sanding time. After planing with the WoodRiver, the surface is so smooth there is minimal sanding needed before applying a finish.

While it can perform other tasks like edge jointing or end grain work, its specialty is that final smoothing. It’s almost eerie how smooth of a surface it can create in difficult grain. This helps your finish really make the wood “pop”.

How Do I Maintain a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

WoodRiver planes require just basic periodic maintenance to keep performing well for years:

• Check for tightness – Snug any loose screws on the tote, knob, or lever cap.
• Lubricate the adjusters – Put a drop of light oil on the Norris adjuster wheel and depth knob threads.
• Wax the sole – Keep the sole slick by rubbing on a light coat of paste wax now and then. Buff to a sheen.
• Clean shavings out – Frequently clear wood chips from the mouth, frog, lever cap, and other areas.
• Rust prevention – Wipe down with a oiled cloth after use to prevent rust, especially in humid climates.
• Check blade sharpness – Hone the blade as soon as you notice performance dropping. Don’t let it get heavily dull.

That’s about it! Besides sharpening, they just need basic cleaning, lubrication, and protection from rust. Following these tips will keep your WoodRiver plane singing for many years.

Is the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane Suitable for End Grain?

Yes, the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane works very well on end grain, better than standard high angle planes:

• The 38 degree blade is low enough to slice end grain cleanly rather than tear it out.
• The heavier iron transfers enough power through the cut.
• The adjustable mouth opening lets you tighten it for end grain planing.
• The grain can be skewed up to 45 degrees since the blade seats bevel-up.

To plane end grain, take very light cuts – .001″ or less. The wood end grain cells are much harder than normal planing. Set the cap iron close to the edge and tighten the mouth.

Overall, it does a great job especially considering its affordable price point. The super premium planes from Lie Nielsen and Veritas may edge it out on difficult gnarly end grain, but for most work the WoodRiver is excellent.

How Much Does a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane Cost?

The MSRP for the standard size #62 WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane is $295 USD. Here are some tips on getting the best deal:

• Watch for periodic sales. Woodcraft runs sales around holidays bringing it down 15-20%.
• Sign up for Woodcraft emails. You’ll get notified of upcoming sales or exclusive promo codes.
• Buy open box. Open box planes from Woodcraft’s site or eBay can save 15-25%.
• Price match. If you find it cheaper elsewhere, Woodcraft will often match the price.
• Buy used on forums or classifieds – expect to pay $175-220 for a used model in good shape.

There are ways to save $50-75 if you watch for sales and deals. For the quality, it’s very fairly priced even at full MSRP. Well worth the money for how much you’ll use it.

Are There Discounts on WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Planes?

Here are some ways to find a discount on the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane:

• Watch for seasonal sales – Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Discounts range from 10-20% off.
• Check open box and scratch & dent sections – can save hundreds on a slight cosmetic defect.
• Sign up for the Woodcraft email list to get notifications of upcoming promos.
• Check Amazon for periodic price drops or coupon codes.
• Consider buying used tools on eBay, forums, Facebook Marketplace, etc if willing to buy used.
• Ask about a floor model discount if purchasing in a Woodcraft retail store.
• Look for discounted gift cards online to use at Woodcraft.

With a combination of an upcoming sale, open box discount, and promo code, you could potentially save $75-100 off MSRP. Sales on this popular model are not frequent, so jump on periodic deals when you see them.

Can a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane be Used on Hardwood?

Absolutely! The WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane works extremely well on all kinds of hardwood:

• It’s ideal for tricky grain patterns – curly maple, burl woods, birdseye, etc. The low cutting angle results in surgically clean cuts without tearout.
• On dense oily tropical woods like rosewood, ebony or cocobolo, the A2 iron holds its edge well without excessive wear.
• On interlocked grain like hickory or purpleheart, the thin shavings it makes prevent crushing or burning.
• The adjustable mouth lets you tighten it up for the finest shavings on any hardwood.
• It excels on both wild grain and figured woods, leaving them glassy smooth for an incredible finish.

From domestic maple and walnut to exotics like bloodwood, the WoodRiver planes them all with ease. I find it removes tearout-prone wood fibers better than any standard bench plane. It’s addictive to use on fine hardwoods!

What is the Return Policy for WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Planes?

Woodcraft offers a return policy on the WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane if you aren’t completely satisfied:

• Returns allowed within 90 days of purchase date, either to a store or by mail.
• Original receipt is required for a return or exchange.
• Items must be in new condition – unused with no damage or wear.
• Restocking fee of 10% applies to all returns.
• Refund will be issued in the original form of payment.

This allows you to buy with confidence and return it if the tool doesn’t meet your needs, as long as it’s within 90 days and in original new condition. Be sure to keep your receipt handy.

For warranty coverage, WoodRiver planes have a lifetime warranty against defects and flaws in materials or workmanship. Contact Woodcraft support about any issues.

How Do I Adjust the Blade on a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

The WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane uses a Norris-style adjuster for easy blade adjustments:

Lateral Adjustment:

• Loosen the lever cap to free the blade.
• Turn the adjuster wheel left or right to slide the blade side to side. Eliminates marking from an uneven edge.
• Lock down the lever cap.

Depth Adjustment:

• Loosen the locking nut on the depth knob.
• Turn depth knob clockwise to advance blade, counter-clockwise to retract.
• Tighten locking nut to secure depth setting.

Mouth Adjustment:

• Loosen two screws under the frog with a flathead screwdriver.
• Slide frog forward or back, then tighten screws.

With a little practice you’ll be able to precisely dial in the iron right where you want it. Adjustments are smooth and intuitive.

Are WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Planes Available in Sets?

No, WoodRiver doesn’t currently sell their low angle jack plane in set form. However, you can pair it with other models to make your own sets:

• Smooth & Jack – Combine it with WoodRiver #4 smoother for doing finer work after initial surfacing.
• Jack & Jointer – Match with WoodRiver #7 jointer plane for doing edges and flattening larger boards.
• Bevel-Up Set – Pair with the #62 LA smoother and #92 LA shoulder plane for an all 38 degree bevel-up set.
• Ultimate Set – Get the #4 smoother, #5 jack, #62 LA jack, and #7 jointer for a complete range.

Buying planes individually allows you to customize your set for your needs and budget. Start with the essential #62 low angle jack, then add complementary planes over time.

What is the History of the WoodRiver Brand?

WoodRiver is the signature hand tool line from Woodcraft, launched in 2010:

• Designed to offer good quality and performance at mid-range prices.
• Made for Woodcraft by manufacturers in China.
• Quality control overseen directly by Woodcraft technicians.
• Offerings range from planes, saws and chisels to workbenches, vises, and sharpening systems.
• Upgrade V3 line introduced in 2018 with improvements across the range.

The WoodRiver brand has earned a reputation for providing very good bang-for-the-buck in hand tools to both hobbyist woodworkers and professionals.

Their combination of affordable pricing and performance that outstrips budget tool brands has made WoodRiver a staple brand at Woodcraft.

How Do I Clean a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane?

Here is an effective process for cleaning a WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane:

• Brush out shavings – Use a stiff bristled brush to remove wood chips from all cavities.
• Wipe with dry cloth – Wipe down all surfaces with a dry lint-free rag to remove dust.
• Clear mouth debris – Carefully pick out any obstructions around the blade and mouth.
• Disassemble fully – Take all parts apart including removing tote and knob.
• Clean gear teeth – Use a toothbrush and solvent to clean all gear teeth on wheel and knob.
• Safely remove rust -Use a rust eraser or fine bronze wool with oil on any rust spots.
• Reassemble and lubricate – Put all parts back together and lubricate adjusters.
• Buff surfaces – Use a clean buffing wheel with polishing compound to restore sheen.

Regular cleaning keeps the plane operating smoothly and looking its best. Daily brush outs plus monthly disassembly and buffing will keep it like new.

Are There Accessories for WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Planes?

The WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane doesn’t require any accessories to work well out of the box. But here are some optional extras:

• Spare blade – A extra sharp iron lets you quickly swap a sharp one in.
• Aftermarket blade – Upgrade to an iron from Hock, Veritas, or Pinnacle.
• Low angle Frog – Useful to convert between standard and low angle.
• Zero clearance mouth – Drop in insert to support wood right at the edge.
• Lapping plate – Flattens the sole and ensures precision.
• Molded case – Protects from dings and rust in storage/transit.
• Push stick – For safety when planing small or thin stock.
• Micro-bevel guide – Jig for consistent micro-bevel sharpening.

None are mandatory, but a spare blade is smart. Look at Pinnacle’s exotic steel upgrades for a long lasting edge. The plane itself has all you need built in!

So there you have it – the complete guide to choosing, using, and maintaining the fantastic WoodRiver Low Angle Jack Plane! It excels at fine smoothing in tricky woods while still handling other utility planing tasks. For woodworkers looking to buy just one quality smoothing plane, it hits a sweet spot of price and performance. With proper sharpening and care, this WoodRiver will serve any shop extremely well for many years. Let me know if you have any other questions!