Lie-Nielsen No. 4 Cast Ductile Iron Smooth Plane

Lie-Nielsen’s Smoothing Planes, numbering #1 through #4-1/2, are the smallest of their Smoothing, Jack, and Jointer bench plane categories. In general, Smoothing Planes are used for the final finish, creating a wood surface as smooth or smoother than you can get with sandpaper. At 9-1/2″ long and 4 lb, the No. 4 Ductile Iron is near the top of its category in size, making it a great all-around smoothing plane. You will find it able to cut though even the hardest woods with no chatter and with zero tearout, leaving a smooth final surface. These planes cut beautifully where others fail: reversed grain, quilted or fiddleback timbers, even knots and end grain can be shaved cleanly, with no loss of control.

Each of these planes features meticulous construction, low-tolerance machining and Bed Rock body and frog design. Soles and sides are milled reliably flat and square, and their finish is so smooth that they hardly need more than a well-buffed coat of wax to be practically friction-free. Bedrock castings, both sole and side rails, are considerably heavier than those of Bailey-style planes, and the frog in particular is radically more stable, supportive and adjustable. The throat opening can be altered without removing the iron, which remains supported all the way to the heel of the bevel regardless of how tight a throat you set. Lie-Nielsen irons are likewise heavier and more carefully processed than run-of-the-mill tools. They’re tempered to Rc 60-62 for excellent edge longevity, and the rigidity afforded by their 1/8″ thickness makes their performance simply outstanding.

The #4 Smooth Plane body is made from unbreakable ductile iron with an overall length of 9-1/2″. Weight is 4 lb. Iron width is 2″. Made in the U.S.A.

Additional Information

Lee Laird from Lie Nielsen Tools Works produces aninstructional series on hand plane use and care and has much more to say aboutimproving your results using a smoothing plane.