Woodworking_Hobby Posted September 28, 2021 Report Share Posted September 28, 2021 I do not do a ton of hand tool woodworking, but I have found a few hand tools make the work so much easier. I have a block plane that I love and was looking at adding a smoothing plane to my collection. From what I have read on-line the No. 4 and No. 4 1/2 are almost identical and it seems a slight preference of the owner as to which one they would recommend. I am leaning towards getting the No. 4 1/2 and just thought I would make sure I was not missing anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted September 28, 2021 Report Share Posted September 28, 2021 Wider is a little tougher to push at times, but only marginally when sharp. PS, my favorite for smoothing tends toward 5 1/2. Totally personal preference there. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted September 28, 2021 Report Share Posted September 28, 2021 I have two No. 4 (different bevel angles) and a BU smoother of similar dimension. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted September 28, 2021 Report Share Posted September 28, 2021 I have a number of smoothing planes, that get used a lot. Those include only one 4-1/2, that almost never gets used. I think that's the case with most. I would suggest getting a 4 as the first one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted September 28, 2021 Report Share Posted September 28, 2021 I've got three #4's, a 4 1/2 a 5 and a 5 1/2, and they all get used. it depends on the piece of wood that needs smoothing and it's size. But without sharp blades it's not much help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 29, 2021 Report Share Posted September 29, 2021 Ha! I have a Sweetheart #4, and it gets used for everything, because the only other decent quality plane I own is a Bailey #7, WWII vintage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 I have a Wood river #5 and a Veritas bevel up with 2 different bevelled blades. Both will do the job if set up properly but the Veritas is the better plane. I especially like the fact that I can change the bevel (blade) for tricky grains. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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