Lie-Nielsen No. 4 Cast Ductile Iron Smooth Plane

Lie-Nielsen No. 4 Cast Ductile Iron 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 9 1/2 inches long and 4 lbs, 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. Bed Rock 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 Lie Nielsen's No. 4 are cast in both ductle iron and silicon bronze # 434234), larger sizes in cast ductile iron. On all sizes, the handle and front knob are gloss-finished cherry, and the lever caps are gleaming bronze.

No. 4 body unbreakable ductile iron, Iron Width: 2" Overall Length: 9-1/2" Weight: 4 lbs. Made in the U.S.A.

Lee Laird from Lie Nielsen Tools Works produces an instructional series on hand plane use and care and has much more to say about improving your results using a smoothing planes.