WoodRiver Bench Plane

WoodRiver Bench Planes

Explore the complete range of WoodRiver bench planes, from compact smoothers to long jointers. Compare models to find the ideal tool for flattening, smoothing, or straightening boards in your shop, whether for fine furniture or general woodworking tasks.

Latest Arrivals

New Bench Plane Selections

Discover the latest additions to the WoodRiver bench plane lineup. These selections include foundational models and enhanced versions, offering options from compact smoothers to a comprehensive kit for serious enthusiasts seeking precision and value.

WoodRiver No. 1 Bench Plane - Compact Smoother for Small Projects and Detail Work

WoodRiver No. 3 Smoothing Plane with Preparation Service - V3 Quality, Ready to Work

WoodRiver No. 4 Smoothing Plane with Preparation Service - The Essential, Precision-Ready Tool

WoodRiver No. 4-1/2 Smoothing Plane - Heavier Build for Superior Stability and Smoothing Control

The No. 4-1/2 is the quintessential upgrade for woodworkers needing a more substantial smoothing plane. Its wider cutter and heavier body provide exceptional stability, making it ideal for managing challenging grain and achieving superior surface finishes on larger projects. This model is a favorite for those who demand control and power in their final surfacing steps.

Customer Favorites

Popular Bench Plane Choices

Explore our most sought-after bench planes, chosen for their reliability and performance across a variety of tasks. This selection highlights tools for specific stages of board preparation, from initial surfacing to final jointing.

WoodRiver No. 4-1/2 Smoothing Plane with Preparation Service - Heavy-Duty Surface Smoothing

The No. 4-1/2 is a robust smoothing plane, slightly wider and heavier than the No. 4. This extra mass helps it power through difficult grain and tear-out, making it a favorite for those who want a more stable, forgiving tool for final surface preparation on larger boards.

WoodRiver No. 5 Jack Plane with Preparation Service - The Versatile Workhorse for Flattening

As a jack plane, the No. 5 is the workhorse of the bench. Its length provides stability for initial flattening and thicknessing, while its adjustability allows for both rough hogging and finer cuts. This prepared version is ready for immediate, demanding use.

WoodRiver No. 5-1/2 Jack Plane with Preparation Service - Wide-Cutter Efficiency for Large Surfaces

The No. 5-1/2 offers the stability and function of a jack plane with a wider cutter. This extra width makes it more efficient for smoothing larger surfaces after initial flattening, bridging the gap between a jack and a dedicated smoother with greater mass and stability.

WoodRiver No. 6 Fore Plane with Preparation Service - Stable Truing and Edge Jointing

The No. 6 fore plane is longer than a jack, providing greater stability for truing and jointing shorter edges. It excels at flattening panels and preparing board edges for glue-ups, offering a balance between the agility of a jack and the pure jointing ability of longer planes.

WoodRiver No. 7 Jointer Plane with Preparation Service - Precision Edge Flattening for Furniture

The No. 7 is a true jointer, over 22 inches long. Its massive length and weight make it exceptionally stable for flattening large panels and creating perfectly straight, square edges for tabletop glue-ups. This is an essential tool for serious furniture making.

WoodRiver #4 Bench Plane, V3 - Refined Performance for Final Surface Smoothing

This V3 iteration of the No. 4 plane features improved casting and finish based on user feedback. It represents a core smoothing plane updated with better manufacturing quality, offering reliable performance and the precision expected for final surface finishing.

Tasks and Applications

Bench Planes in the Workshop

From constructing fine furniture to general shop prep and restoration, bench planes serve distinct roles. Each task demands specific control and power, helping you achieve precise fits, smooth surfaces, and accurate dimensions in your work.

Fine Furniture Construction

For furniture makers, bench planes are essential for achieving the perfect fit and finish. They true joints, flatten panels, and create glass-smooth surfaces that highlight wood grain, turning rough lumber into refined heirloom pieces.

General Workshop Prep

In a general workshop, bench planes quickly solve problems like warping, uneven stock, and rough-sawn lumber. They are indispensable for preparing material accurately before cutting and assembly, saving time and ensuring project success.

Restoration & Repair Work

For restoration and repair, bench planes allow you to remove old finishes, true up damaged surfaces, and reshape components with control. They are crucial tools for bringing new life to antique pieces or correcting workmanship issues.

Choosing Your Plane

Key Factors for Selection

Choosing the right bench plane involves balancing size, function, and workflow. Consider the primary task—smoothing, jointing, or shaping—and how plane length and weight affect leverage and control on your specific wood.

Plane Length and Primary Task

The length of the plane directly impacts its ability to flatten and straighten. Longer soles bridge low spots for jointing, while shorter soles yield a smoother final finish. Select the size that matches your primary task.

Weight and Material Removal

Weight provides the momentum needed for efficient material removal. Heavier planes power through difficult grain and reduce chatter, but may be tiring for extended smoothing. Consider the trade-off between power and finesse for your projects.

Construction and Adjustability

The overall design, from the sole’s flatness to the adjuster’s precision, determines the tool’s final performance. A well-tuned plane with robust construction ensures reliability and longevity in your workshop.

Explore the Lineup

Plane Types by Function

WoodRiver bench planes are organized by function and size, each designed for a specific stage of board preparation. Understanding these categories helps you choose the right tool for smoothing, jack work, or jointing tasks in your shop.

Smoothing Planes

Smoothing planes, like the No. 3 and No. 4, are the final step in surfacing. Their short soles glide over minor imperfections to create a flawless, glass-smooth finish ready for finishing.

Jack Planes

Jack planes are the versatile workhorses. Used for rough dimensioning, flattening, and initial smoothing, their moderate length and adjustable mouths handle a wide variety of tasks from stock removal to intermediate surfacing.

Fore Planes

Fore planes bridge the gap between jack and jointer planes. They provide increased stability for truing larger surfaces and preparing edges for joining, offering more control than a jack for medium-scale flattening tasks.

Jointer Planes

Jointers are the longest bench planes, designed for one primary purpose: creating perfectly straight edges and flattening large panels. Their length guarantees accuracy for seamless glue-ups and straight reference surfaces.

Specialty Planes

Specialty planes serve unique purposes like chamfering, molding, or rabbeting. These tools expand your bench capabilities, allowing you to create specific profiles and joinery details with precision and control.

Preparation Service

Preparation services ensure your plane arrives ready to use. This includes professional sharpening of the blade, flattening of the sole, and fine-tuning of the adjusters, saving you time and guaranteeing peak performance out of the box.

Woodworker Feedback

What Woodworkers Are Saying

I purchased the No. 5 jack plane with the prep service. It arrived perfectly tuned and sharp. The mass of the plane helps it glide through rough lumber, and it’s become my go-to for initial flattening. A solid, reliable tool for the shop.

John T.

The No. 4 smoothing plane with preparation was a game-changer for my furniture projects. The sole was dead flat, and the blade held a keen edge. It leaves a surface finish that feels incredible under the hand. Excellent value for a V3 plane.

Sarah M.

I’ve used several WoodRiver planes now. The consistency has improved with the V3 series. The No. 7 jointer is a beast for straightening long boards. Knowing they come with the prep service means I can focus on the work, not the setup.

Craftsman Dave

Bench Plane Questions Answered

Selecting a bench plane often involves practical questions about preparation, sizing, and maintenance. Here we address the common trade-offs between ready-to-use options and potential setup, as well as how to match plane size to your project needs.

Should I buy a plane ready-to-use or one that requires initial setup?

Planes with preparation services arrive professionally sharpened and tuned, saving setup time and guaranteeing performance. Standard models require flattening the sole and sharpening the blade, which is ideal if you enjoy tuning your own tools or want to learn the process.

How do I know which plane size is best for my typical projects?

Match the plane’s length to the most common task. For final smoothing of furniture parts, a No. 3 or 4 is ideal. For dimensioning rough lumber, a No. 5 jack plane is versatile. A longer No. 6 or 7 is essential for jointing edges of tabletops and flattening large panels.

What is the main difference between a jack plane and a jointer plane?

A jack plane, like the No. 5, is a versatile workhorse for initial flattening and thicknessing. A jointer plane, such as the No. 7, is significantly longer, providing the stability needed to create perfectly straight edges for seamless glue-ups and to flatten large surfaces.

Are these planes suitable for working with very hard or figured woods?

Yes, but proper technique and tool selection are key. A heavier plane like the No. 4-1/2 or No. 5 offers more mass to resist chatter. Ensure the blade is sharp, take light cuts, and consider a lower cutting angle for challenging grain to achieve a tear-free surface.

How important is the preparation service for getting good results?

The preparation service is highly valuable for beginners and busy woodworkers. It ensures the sole is flat and the blade is sharp and properly set, allowing you to achieve excellent results immediately. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to start working without the learning curve of tool setup.

Can I use one plane for both rough dimensioning and final smoothing?

A No. 5 jack plane can perform both tasks reasonably well, but it’s a compromise. For best results, a dedicated smoother like a No. 4 provides a finer finish, while a jack excels at stock removal. Many woodworkers use a jack for initial work and a smoother for the final pass.

Woodworking Tips & Techniques

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