Hand Plane Selection, The Versatile # 5 1/2 Jack
Hand Plane Selection, The Versatile # 5 1/2 Jack
Rob does a quick review of the Woodriver jack plane, a great do-all plane, long and heavy for the shooting board and manageable as a general purpose on the bench. Woodriver by Woodcraft.
I recently bought a Lie-Nielsen 5-1/2 and sent it back because the tote was too small. My hands are really big and my pinky was cramped, even with a three-finger pistol grip. Would the tote on the Woodriver be more comfortable for me?
Rob! I have added a Stanley 5 1/2 to my arsenal and and considering upgrading to a thicker iron. Will I need to open the throat to be able to clear chips?
I have the WR 5 1/2 on your recommendation and I sure like the way it performs. I have to "soup" myself up now to use it to its full potential. Thanks Rob.
Rob. Do you really think the Woodriver stacks up to a Lie-Nielsen?
Currently, I have a woodriver #4 and #6. For a good bit of time my go to plane has been the #6. Its great for the shooting board and great at flattening and smoothing. I like the #4 for most smoothing but still want something in between the #4 and the #6. Are there any major reasons to get the #5 or #5 1/2 besides the weight when it comes to comparing to the #6?
I agree with you that they are the best thing to come around in the last 50 years. Not everybody can afford or needs the premium planes from other makers. I wish I could afford a cabinet full of premium planes but that is not in the works for me.
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Hi Rob, I’ve been looking at many of your plane videos for both comparison of different types of planes and manufacturers as well as sharpening. They have all been super informative for me. I went to purchase your number one recommended plane, the Woodriver 5 1/2, however Woodcraft says it’s been backordered, which based on previous experience with backordered items from Woodcraft means it could be a year before it becomes available. I noticed that Woodcraft has a Clifton 5 1/2 plane that looks identical to the Woodriver. Can you tell me if you have any experience with Clifton and what you opinion is? Thanks and keep the great channel content coming.
John
Rob, I enjoy all your videos. I’m a former Toronto boy, living in the US. I tried to support your website buying a WR 5 1/2, but no shipping to the US. Sorry man. I’ve always liked the Veritas planes. I own their low angle jack and bevel up smoother. Watching your videos makes me want to try the bevel down planes and your video makes me feel the 5 1/2 is what I will go with. Question: what if anything makes the Wood River superior to the Veritas 5 1/2?
Hey Rob, do you prefere the 5 1/2 on the shooting board because of the fact that it is the most versitile and you don‘t have to switch between planes or do you have other reasons why you don‘t use a low angle plane that is typically used on the shooting board?
is there a big difference between 5 and 5 and a half ? im interested in the 5 or 5 and a half lie nielsen
Rob Cosman, I am a fan of your videos and but… Having just bought the 51/2 from WoorRiver for the purpose of using on my shooting board and find it is .38mm 14thou out of square I wonder what your view is on what precision is acceptable. My view is that I should not be able to measure this, ie less 1thou in 70 mm (sorry to mix units). Are you happy to promote this product for use on a shooting board and what do you suggest to overcome a .4mm out of square. Woodriver advise their Jack plane was designed for flatting boards and that the sides are not precision ground to square with the sole – their tolerance is .5 degree (18 thou in 2.8 inch) . ie they infer I should not be using this on a shooting board and my plane is OK. I should add they have offered a replacement but if the tolerance is so wide, I have no confidence I will get a replacement sufficiently square. I would appreciate your comments especially after watching your vidoes on boxes and fitting drawers finessed to 1 thou and probably less in timber.
Rob, I am really torn. I’m relatively new to hand tool woodworking. I have a good #4 smoother and #4 scrub and some specialty planes. I am looking for a good plane for my shooting board. I have been strongly leaning forward a LAJ 62. It sounds like you may prefer the 5 1/2. Is either one significantly better suited for shooting as well as other general planing?
Hi Rob, Thanks for all the videos you produce. The instructional and production quality is great and they have helped me improve my hand woodworking skills. I just bought a Woodriver 5 1/2. When I checked the sides to bottom for squareness, I find they are canted inward by about 1/16. On all my other planes, the bottom is square to the sides. I bought it primarily to use on a shooting board and am thinking maybe I should return it rather than try to square it up. Other than that, it is a beautiful plane. Looking for guidance.
Hey there Rob, late question but I hope you reply. I currently have a 5 1/2 jack and will be getting a 7 jointer soon. I’m wondering, for a smoothing plane, would it be better to get a 3 or a 4 1/2 since I already have the 5 1/2?
Please let me know as I am torn up about this final purchase.
Hello – I am also looking to buy a hand plane to smooth out a 22" X 10′ bench top after flattening it to size with a router. Could the 5.5 be used for this purpose? Of course, the 7 would be better but at a heftier price. Also, can the 5.5 be used as a jointer? Love your work! Thanks!
Thanks Rob, I’ve been debating on what “professional” plane size to get into. I’ve bought some cheap home store planes, harbor freight, and amazon specials and have been trying my best to get them ready to use to build my workbench. As soon as my next VA payment gets deposited I’m going to buy one of the 5 1/2’s.