Lie-Nielsen No. 4-1/2 Smooth Plane

Smoothing Planes, the smallest of Lie Nielsen Smoothing, Jack, and Jointer bench plane categories, number #1 through #4-1/2. In general Smoothing Planes are used for the final finish, creating a wood surface as smooth or smoother than sandpaper can.At 10-3/8″ long and 5.4 lbs, the No. 4 1/2 is the largest smooth plane among its peers, so you will find it more suitable for slightly larger projects or harder woods. Compared to the No. 4 it is 1/2 inch longer, weighs 1.4 more lbs and and the blade is 2-3/8″ wide x .140″ thick versus 2″ wide x .125″ thick on the No. 4. Overall with it’s thicker sole and heavier body the No. 4-1/2 is a solid, substantial smooth plane capable of yielding very fine shavings even on difficult woods.

Each Lie Nielsen Smoothing Plane features meticulous construction, low-tolerance machining and Bed Rock style body and frog design. Soles and sides are milled flat within less than .002″ maximum deviation, and the finish is so smooth that these planes are nearly friction-free.

Frogs on all models are cast in bronze.Bed Rock castings, both sole and side rails, are considerably heavier than those of ordinary planes, and the frog is radically more stable and more adjustable.Throat opening can be adjusted without removing the irons, and the iron remains fully supported no matter how small an opening you set.Irons are over 1/8″ thick, providing extraordinarily smooth cutting action.

Heavy irons, stable frogs and tiny throat openings combine to allow planing performance that’s simply impossible with other planes; you can plane reversed grain, quilted or fiddleback figured timbers, and even knots with no tearout, no chatter, and no loss of control at all. Lie-Nielsen’s polished bronze lever caps and custom cherry handles perfectly complement the quality of these beautiful tools.

No. 4-1/2 Smooth Plane is cast only in unbreakable ductile iron, Iron Width: 2-3/8″Overall Length: 10-3/8″ Weight: 5.4 lbs. Made in the U.S.A.

Additional Information

Learn more about Lie Nielsen’s complete hand plane collection in Lee Laird’s instructional hand plane series hosted on the Highland Woodworking Blog.