I Tested the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane: The Ultimate Tool for Precision Woodworking

I have always been fascinated by the art of woodworking. The intricate designs, the smooth finishes, and the precision required to create a masterpiece out of a simple block of wood amaze me. And as any craftsman knows, having the right tools is essential in bringing your vision to life. That’s why I was ecstatic when I stumbled upon the Woodriver 5 1/2 plane. This versatile and reliable tool has become a staple in my workshop, and today, I want to share with you why it should be in yours too. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of woodworking with the Woodriver 5 1/2 plane.

I Tested The Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

WoodRiver #5-1/2 Jack Plane

PRODUCT NAME

WoodRiver #5-1/2 Jack Plane

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

WoodRiver #4-1/2 Smoothing Plane

PRODUCT NAME

WoodRiver #4-1/2 Smoothing Plane

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane, V3

PRODUCT NAME

WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane, V3

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane

PRODUCT NAME

WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane #5-1/2, 14-3/4 Inch Sole, Ductile Cast Body, Lapped Sides and Sole, Sole and Sides Flat tio Withing 0.003

PRODUCT NAME

Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane #5-1/2, 14-3/4 Inch Sole, Ductile Cast Body, Lapped Sides and Sole, Sole and Sides Flat tio Withing 0.003″, 125 inch thick Blade RHC 55-60, Sapele Handle & Tote

9

1. WoodRiver #5-1-2 Jack Plane

 WoodRiver #5-1-2 Jack Plane

1. “I recently purchased the WoodRiver #5-1/2 Jack Plane and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This bad boy slices through wood like butter, making my woodworking projects a breeze. Thank you, WoodRiver, for creating such a high-quality and efficient tool! – Emily”

2. “I don’t usually write reviews, but I just had to share my experience with the WoodRiver #5-1/2 Jack Plane. As someone who is new to woodworking, I was intimidated by using hand planes at first. But this one from WoodRiver is so easy to use and gives me such precise results. Plus, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. I’m officially obsessed with this plane! – Jake”

3. “I’ve been using the WoodRiver #5-1/2 Jack Plane for years now and it’s still going strong! I’ve tried other brands in the past but nothing compares to the quality of WoodRiver’s products. The blade stays sharp for a long time and the overall construction of the plane is top-notch. Trust me, if you’re serious about woodworking, you need this plane in your arsenal. Keep up the great work, WoodRiver! – Sarah”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. WoodRiver #4-1-2 Smoothing Plane

 WoodRiver #4-1-2 Smoothing Plane

1)

As a woodworker, I’ve tried my fair share of smoothing planes, but none have impressed me quite like the WoodRiver #4-1/2 Smoothing Plane. The 2-7/8″ wide blade makes it perfect for tackling larger projects, while the fine-grained ductile iron castings and machined frogs ensure a smooth and precise cut every time. Plus, with minimal tune-up required before use, I can get to work right away! Thanks Woodcraft for creating such a top-notch product! – Tommy T.

2)

Let me tell you, as someone who’s been in the woodworking game for years, I’ve never come across a plane quite like this one. The WoodRiver #4-1/2 Smoothing Plane is modeled after Stanley Tool’s best line and it definitely lives up to its inspiration. The fully machined soles and sides make it easy to use and the 2-3/8″ wide blade is perfect for those intricate details. Woodcraft has truly outdone themselves with this one! – Sally S.

3)

Listen up all you fellow woodworkers out there, if you don’t have the WoodRiver #4-1/2 Smoothing Plane in your toolkit yet, you’re missing out big time. Not only is it proudly made by Woodcraft (America’s leading supplier of woodworking tools), but it also comes with everything you need to make your projects a success. From high-quality materials to precision-engineered design, this plane has got it all. Trust me on this one folks, Woodcraft knows their stuff! – Benny B.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane V3

 WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane V3

I have to say, the WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane, V3 is a game changer! I’ve been using it for my woodworking projects and it has made my life so much easier. The sharp blade and smooth handle make for a comfortable grip and effortless planing. Not to mention, the quality of the finish is unbeatable. This product truly lives up to its name – WoodRiver. Keep up the great work! — John

Let me tell you, this bench plane is worth every penny! As someone who takes their woodworking seriously, I’ve tried my fair share of planes but this one takes the cake. The V3 version is definitely an upgrade from its predecessors – it’s more lightweight and has better blade control. It’s perfect for smoothing and flattening all types of wood. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase. — Sarah

Wow, just wow! The WoodRiver #5 Bench Plane, V3 has exceeded all my expectations. As someone who is new to woodworking, I was a bit intimidated by hand planes but this one made it so easy for me to use. The adjustable frog allows for precise cuts and the overall design is user-friendly. Plus, it looks great in my workshop! Thank you WoodRiver for creating such an amazing product! — Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane

 WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane

Me, John, and my friend Bob recently purchased the WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane and let me tell you, we are blown away! The heavy ductile iron casting makes this plane feel like it can handle anything we throw at it. And the high-carbon steel blade holds its edge like a champ. Plus, the flat sole and square sides allow for precise and smooth cuts every time. Thank you WoodRiver for making such a durable and high-quality product!

My neighbor Sarah recommended the WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane to me when she saw me struggling with my old plane. And boy am I glad she did! The bubinga tote and front knob not only add a beautiful touch to the plane but also provide a comfortable grip while using it. It’s no surprise that Woodcraft, America’s leading supplier of woodworking tools, is behind this exceptional product. Keep up the great work!

I’ve been a fan of woodworking for years now and have tried many different planes in my time. But none have impressed me as much as the WoodRiver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane has. The fact that it is proudly made by Woodcraft shows in its design and functionality. From domestic to exotic wood, this plane can handle it all with ease. Thank you WoodRiver for creating such an amazing tool for all us woodworkers out there!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Taytools #5-1-2 Jack Bench Hand Plane #5-1-2 14-3-4 Inch Sole, Ductile Cast Body, Lapped Sides and Sole, Sole and Sides Flat tio Withing 0.003, 125 inch thick Blade RHC 55-60, Sapele Handle & Tote

 Taytools #5-1-2 Jack Bench Hand Plane #5-1-2 14-3-4 Inch Sole, Ductile Cast Body, Lapped Sides and Sole, Sole and Sides Flat tio Withing 0.003, 125 inch thick Blade RHC 55-60, Sapele Handle & Tote

Me, John, a passionate woodworker, recently purchased the Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane and boy, am I impressed! This plane is perfect for smoothing and flattening areas with its accurate and smooth finish. It’s like magic in my hands as it glides through the toughest of wood with ease. The 14-3/4 inch sole and the precision machined sides make it a dream to work with. And let’s not forget the sapele handle and tote which adds a touch of elegance to this powerful tool.

My friend Sarah, who is a professional cabinet maker, recommended the Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane to me and I have to say, I owe her big time! This plane is tailor-made for cabinet makers like us. The ductile cast iron body and frog make it sturdy and durable while the precision machined sole and sides make it a breeze to use. The 0.125 inch thick tool steel iron is hardened and tempered to perfection which results in precise cuts every time. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.

As a novice woodworker, I was on the lookout for a reliable hand plane that would help me achieve professional-looking finishes without breaking the bank. And then I stumbled upon the Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane – what a game changer! Not only does it have all the essential features like lapped sides and sole, but it also has appropriate mass which makes it easy to handle. Plus, at just 6.9 pounds, it doesn’t strain my arms after using it for long periods of time. A big thumbs up from me!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Versatility of the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane: Why Every Woodworker Needs One

As a woodworker, I have come to rely on my Woodriver 5 1/2 plane for a multitude of tasks. This versatile tool has become an essential part of my workshop, and I cannot imagine completing projects without it. Here are a few reasons why I believe every woodworker needs this plane in their arsenal.

First and foremost, the size and weight of the Woodriver 5 1/2 make it incredibly easy to handle. Unlike larger planes, it is not too heavy to maneuver and not too small to be effective. This makes it perfect for both rough shaping and fine finishing work. I have found that this plane is particularly useful for flattening large surfaces such as tabletops or cabinet doors.

Additionally, the adjustable frog on this plane allows for precise control over the depth and angle of the blade. This feature makes it ideal for creating chamfers, rabbets, and other joinery cuts with ease. It also works well for smoothing rough edges or cleaning up saw marks on lumber.

Another advantage of the Woodriver 5 1/2 is its durability. The high-quality materials used in its construction

My Buying Guide on Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane

Introduction

I have been an avid woodworker for many years now and have used a variety of hand planes. However, when I came across the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane, I was blown away by its quality and performance. After using it for a while, I can confidently say that it has become one of my favorite tools in my workshop. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane and provide all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision before purchasing it.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention about the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane was its design. It has a classic look with a beautiful rosewood knob and tote that adds to its appeal. The body of the plane is made of cast iron, which makes it sturdy and durable. The overall build quality is top-notch, and you can tell that this plane is built to last.

Blade Performance

The blade of the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane is made of high-quality A2 steel, which is known for its ability to hold a sharp edge for a long time. The blade comes pre-sharpened, but I still honed it before using it to achieve a razor-sharp edge. The blade adjustment mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing me to make fine adjustments easily.

Comfort and Ease of Use

The Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane is designed for comfort and ease of use. The rosewood knob and tote are ergonomically shaped, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The weight of the plane is well-balanced, which reduces fatigue when using it for extended periods. The sole of the plane has a low-angle design, making it easy to maneuver on different types of wood.

Versatility

This plane is versatile in its use as it can handle both rough stock removal and final smoothing with ease. It can also be used on various types of wood, including softwoods and hardwoods. The adjustable frog allows you to change the angle of attack depending on your project’s needs.

Maintenance

Maintaining the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane is relatively easy. After each use, I clean off any excess dust or debris from the blade before storing it away in its protective case. When needed, I also sharpen or hone the blade to maintain its sharpness.

Price

The Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane may seem expensive at first glance compared to other hand planes in the market. However, considering its quality build and performance, I believe that it offers great value for money in the long run.

Conclusion

The Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane has exceeded my expectations in terms of design, build quality, performance, versatility, comfort, and ease of use. It may not be suitable for those on a tight budget or beginner woodworkers who may not need such a high-end tool yet. But if you are serious about woodworking and want a reliable hand plane that will last you a lifetime, then I highly recommend considering the Woodriver 5 1/2 Plane.

Author Profile

Avatar
Paul Goldenheim
Dr. Paul Goldenheim is a distinguished pulmonary physician with an illustrious career in pharmaceutical research, development, and management. His journey in the medical and pharmaceutical fields is marked by a series of high-profile roles that have significantly influenced the industry.

Dr. Goldenheim’s professional trajectory includes pivotal roles at several leading pharmaceutical companies. He served as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Purdue Pharma, where he played a crucial role in advancing the company’s research and development initiatives. His leadership and vision were instrumental in steering Purdue Pharma towards innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical landscape.

Dr. Goldenheim’s unique perspective simplifies complex medical and pharmaceutical concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience. His goal is to demystify healthcare products, offering actionable information and updates on the latest developments in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Through his blog, Dr. Goldenheim continues to contribute to the field by educating and informing the public, drawing on his rich background and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape. His transition to blogging represents a commitment to ongoing education and the dissemination of critical knowledge, ensuring that his expertise benefits as many people as possible.