Woodriver #5-1/2 Jack Plane

I spent a long time researching and reviewing jack planes. I wanted to try to get the best bang for my buck. After watching Rob Cosman videos on Youtube, I could see that this plane was worth the money. The performance is superb, especially after following Rob's tips for initial setup and sharpening. I was able to get a paper think shaving on the fourth or fifth pass. It's truly a joy to own and use. And, thanks to Rob for the great videos.

After one year owning this 5 1/2, I wanted to share a few comments - Yes it's made overseas, but made to a higher quality than you might expect. I did replace the blade with an IBC but the factory one isn't bad, I kept it for a spare, which in my opinion put this plane on par with the best out there, of which I own several in other sizes. It did require a bit more set-up than an L-N , filing edges and checking squareness, if the sole had not been flat I would have ordered a replacement, that is unforgivable even in this price range. The 5 1/2 would be my only plane if I could have just one , it's useful for most anything from flattening boards, squaring edges in a shooting board, just perfect size and weight. Watch video of RC setting one up, very informative, just search Woodcraft 5 1/2 setup.

I did my due diligence when it arrived and ensured the sole was flat by double side taping some 120 grit sandpaper on a piece of flat mdf and marked the sole with a sharpie until the marks were fully gone (didn’t take long at all, was already near perfect). I also sharpened the blades because they never come perfectly sharp. That was all, two steps and this thing is gliding down the board getting paper thin strips. Can’t recommend enough.

Very nice planer minimal amount of set up blade took a razor sharp edge after a few minutes of honing.

Very high quality tool. Well machined and functions extremely well!

I have been able to use this several times now and have had no issues to deal with. I did sharpen the blade right when I got it but you are going to have to do that with any cutting tool like this that you buy no matter what brand it is. It is super easy to adjust when using it and the ergonomics of it are just amazing. I think it is the best bang for your buck. I wish it was made in the USA but oh well, I am not taking any stars off for that.

Good hand plane but blade required to much work at the purchased price point. Blade was extremely concave. Was disappointed to have to work so hard at the price I paid for it.

As with every hand plane ive bought, it needed some tuning right off the bat. The sole was not flat, but did not take much to get it there. The iron (blade) came "rough carpentry sharp", but did not take too long to get a good keen "finishing' edge. I have rather large hands, making it hard to use a fair number of planes, but the tote (handle) fits my hand well with a little space to spare. It is my finish/smoothing plane now.