Woodriver Router Plane

Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing This Versatile Tool

The Woodriver router plane is one of the most useful and versatile hand planes for any woodworker. This elegantly designed tool allows you to rout grooves, dadoes, rabbets, and much more with precision and ease.

As with any major tool purchase, there are several factors to research before deciding which router plane is right for your needs and budget. This comprehensive buying guide will explore everything you need to know about Woodriver router planes specifically, and router planes in general.

We’ll cover topics such as:

• What is a router plane and how does it work?
• Woodriver router plane features and specifications
• Using and maintaining a router plane
• Comparisons with other router plane brands
• Where to buy and current pricing
• Reviews from other users
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s get started!

What Is a Router Plane and How Does It Work?

A router plane is a hand plane designed specifically for cutting grooves and channels in wood. The narrow iron blade projects from the sole and is positioned at a consistent depth to remove a pre-determined thickness of material as the tool is pushed across the workpiece.

Router planes excel at cutting grooves and dados for joinery, installing hardware, decorative inlays, and more. They allow you to rout flat-bottomed channels across the grain quickly and accurately.

The Woodriver router differs from a standard bench plane in that the iron is fixed in place and projects from the sole. Bench planes have beveled blades for smoothing and shaping the wood surface.

A router plane works similarly to a power router, but removes wood through manual muscle power rather than electricity. Router planes pre-date power routers and allow for more control and precision.

Key Features and Specifications of the Woodriver Router Plane

The Woodriver #271 router plane is precision-machined from grey cast iron for durability. It has several features that make it highly effective for groove cutting and trimming joinery.

• Adjustable iron depth – The iron extends 3/16″ from the sole and is adjustable with a depth stop knob for grooves up to 5/8″ wide.
• Lever cap – The sturdy lever cap keeps the iron securely in position as you cut.
• Fence – The fence guides the router plane and controls the width of the groove. It’s adjustable up to 2 3⁄8″.
• 2 1⁄4” iron width – Wide enough to rout grooves in a single pass.
• 17 1⁄2″ overall length – Substantial size for better control and balance.
• 2 1⁄8 lbs – Heavier than some planes but lighter than a metal-bodied router.
• 25° iron bevel – For smooth, even, chatter-free cuts.

It’s well-suited for precise groove cutting in furniture and cabinetry work. The adjustable fence lets you widen or narrow the cutting width as needed.

Using and Maintaining Your Woodriver Router Plane

Using a router plane takes a bit of practice to master. Here are some key tips for getting the best performance from your Woodriver:

• Extend the iron just enough to cut the desired depth. Take light passes rather than trying to cut the full depth in one go.
• Keep downward pressure and slide the router plane slowly and steadily. Let the tool do the work.
• Use the fence to guide the router and avoid tilting. Check for square cuts with a try square.
• Clear shavings frequently so they don’t obstruct the blade or wedge the plane.
• Wax the sole occasionally for smoother progress across the wood.
• Lap and hone the iron as needed to keep the cutting edge razor sharp. A sharp blade prevents tearing out.
• Lubricate the adjusting rods to maintain smooth operation. Wipe down with a lightly oiled rag after use.

Follow these tips and your Woodriver router plane should provide years of reliable service. The quality materials and precision manufacturing will minimize maintenance needs.

How Does the Woodriver Router Plane Compare to Other Brands?

Woodriver is a Workshop series tool brand owned by Woodcraft Supply. Their planes offer good quality and performance for hobbyists at a moderate price point.

Here’s how the Woodriver router plane stacks up against two other popular options:

• Veritas Router Plane – The Veritas is pricier but known for superior quality and features. The dual handles provide extra control and comfort. The articulated fence is very precise. Overall the Veritas is best for fine woodworking.
• Stanley 71 – A budget-friendly classic design but may require tune-ups for optimal performance. Best for lighter duty home use. Not as robust as the Woodriver for challenging tasks.

The Woodriver strikes a nice balance – better quality than the Stanley but more affordable than the Veritas. It’s a great choice for frequently used router work where fine precision isn’t absolutely critical.

Where To Buy a Woodriver Router Plane

Woodcraft Supply is currently the sole source for purchasing Woodriver tools. You can buy the #271 router plane through the Woodcraft website, mail order catalogs, or at Woodcraft retail locations across the US.

As of this writing, the #271 Woodriver Router Plane has an MSRP of $175 but is frequently offered for around $139 on sale. Quantities may be limited so check availability.

You can sometimes find used Woodriver planes for lower prices on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or woodworking forums. Availability of used tools varies.

Key Reviews From Buyers

Here are some excerpts from reviews by buyers of the Woodriver router plane:

“Cuts beautifully right out of the box. Took light passes in oak and got glassy smooth grooves.”

“Much better quality than the old Stanleys I’ve used. Lever cap and adjustment rods operate smoothly.”

“With a razor sharp iron this plane skates across the wood with minimal effort. Super precise control.”

“Fence is handy for limiting the cut width. Sturdy build quality.”

“Nice heft and balance. I have used this almost daily with no issues.”

Overall most users praise the comfortable weight, smooth adjustment, sharp iron, and quality construction. It’s a noticeable step up from vintage Stanleys in both functionality and precision. An excellent value for the price point.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Woodriver Router Plane

Here are answers to some common questions about the Woodriver router plane:

What’s the best way to sharpen the iron?

Use a diamond stone or extra-fine whetstone to establish a 25° bevel angle. Then hone a micro-bevel of 30° until very sharp. Strop on leather charged with honing compound.

Can I use this on exotic hardwoods?

Yes, it has sufficient mass and a sharp iron to effectively cut even dense tropical hardwoods. Just take light passes.

How wide of a groove can it cut?

The maximum groove width is 2 3⁄8” when the fence is fully extended. For wider grooves make several passes.

Should I wax or oil the sole?

Either wax or a light coat of paste wax works well on the sole. Just avoid oil which can stain the wood.

What accessories do I need?

At minimum just a sharpening stone or diamond plate. Many users also appreciate adding an aftermarket replacement iron.

Can I return it if I’m unsatisfied?

Woodcraft has a 1 year return policy if the tool is unused and in original condition. You can return in-store or via mail.

Is this suitable for fine furniture work?

It can handle precise work but is not at the level of top tier planes from Lie Nielsen or Veritas. It’s great for general purpose woodworking.

Can I use this handheld or does it require a bench?

You can use it handheld for short grooves. A solid bench helps provide stability, especially when routing longer grooves.

We hope these tips help you determine if the Woodriver router plane is the right choice for your projects. It provides excellent functionality for the price. With proper care and technique, this plane will deliver years of smooth groove cutting action.