Woodriver 4 1/2 Plane

A bench plane modeled on the Stanley Bedrock design, featuring an adjustable frog and a thick, hardened blade for smooth cuts in various woods.
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Built for the Workbench: The WoodRiver #4 1/2

  • Stanley Bedrock-Inspired Design

Modeled after the renowned Stanley Bedrock, this plane's geometry helps prevent tear-out, especially on tricky, figured wood grains.

  • Adjustable Frog Without Blade Removal

Fine-tune your cut for different tasks-like a tighter throat for smoothing-without having to remove the sharp blade first.

  • Thick Steel Blade and Chipbreaker

The .125-inch blade and heavy chipbreaker work together to dampen vibration, resulting in a smoother surface finish.

  • Stress-Relieved Ductile Iron Castings

Heavy, precision-machined castings provide a flat sole and solid mass that help drive the plane through dense hardwoods.

  • Rockwell 58-62 Hardness Blade

The hardened steel holds a keen edge longer between sharpenings, letting you work more efficiently on longer projects.

Key Features for Precision Work

Comfortable Bubinga Wood Handles

Lightly finished Bubinga for the tote and knob provides a warm, secure grip and better control during extended use.

45-Degree Bed Angle for Versatility

The standard 45-degree bed angle offers a balanced cut, suitable for both rougher stock removal and final smoothing passes.

Fits

Ductile Iron Construction

Stanley Bedrock Design

2-3/8" Wide Blade

Adjustable Frog

Figured Wood

What's in the Box

The WoodRiver #4-1/2 plane includes several key components for immediate woodworking.

Ductile Iron Body & Frog

Heavy, stress-relieved ductile iron castings form the body and a fully machined frog bedded at a 45-degree angle.

Thick Steel Blade

A thick (.125 inch / 3mm) steel blade and chipbreaker, hardened to Rockwell 58-62, dampens vibration during use.

Adjustable Frog Mechanism

The frog can be adjusted for different cuts without having to remove the blade, adding versatility to your work.

Bubinga Wooden Handles

Lightly finished Bubinga handles provide comfortable control and a solid grip during planing tasks.

Built for Woodworkers at Every Level

The Craft Enthusiast

Handles figured woods and difficult grain without tear-out. The adjustable frog lets you adapt cuts for your project without removing the blade.

The Professional Shop

Provides reliable, heavy-duty performance for daily shop tasks. Its ductile iron casting and flat sole ensure consistent results on hardwoods.

The Serious Hobbyist

A great step up for building skill with a tool based on the Stanley Bedrock design. It’s user-friendly enough for learning, yet robust for complex furniture.

Product Details

Your WoodRiver 4-1/2 Plane Questions

Find answers to common questions about the WoodRiver #4 1/2 Bench Plane’s design, performance, and value.
Yes, the plane arrives fully assembled and nearly ready for use. You will only need to perform a quick honing of the thick .125-inch steel blade to achieve optimal sharpness for your first project.
The fully machined frog is bedded at 45 degrees and can be adjusted without removing the blade or chipbreaker. This allows you to adapt the plane for different types of cuts, from fine smoothing to heavier stock removal.
Yes, its user-friendly design and solid build quality make it a reliable choice for those new to hand planes. The heavy ductile iron castings and Bubinga handles provide comfort and control during use.
The WoodRiver provides similar performance advantages to higher-priced brands at a significantly lower cost. It’s based on the famous Stanley Bedrock design, offering a smooth finish and excellent value for hobbyists and professionals.

User Feedback on the WoodRiver 4-1/2 Plane

Users praise the plane’s solid build and its ability to handle complex grain, noting the flat sole and adjustable frog. Some caution that initial sharpening and setup time are required for best results.

What buyers like

  • Solid build quality and flat sole
  • Adjustable frog for different cut types
  • Effective on highly figured wood
  • Comfortable Bubinga handles for control
  • Thick blade dampens vibration

Worth noting

  • Requires significant initial sharpening
  • Blade and chipbreaker need proper setup
  • Heavy weight may fatigue some users
  • Finish may need user refinement
  • Learning curve for adjusting the frog

Bottom line

This plane offers Stanley Bedrock-like performance at a strong value, though it demands patience for initial preparation.

Built on a Bedrock Foundation

These details help you gauge the plane’s design pedigree and real-world setup. Knowing what to expect upfront builds confidence in your purchase.

Modeled on a Proven Design

The WoodRiver #4 1/2 is engineered following the famous Stanley Bedrock pattern. This design heritage is cited by woodworkers as a benchmark for performance and adjustability.

Adjustable Frog for Versatile Cuts

A key feature is the adjustable frog, which allows you to adapt to different cuts without removing the blade. This design detail provides direct, tool-free control over performance.