Of all the hand tools I reach for in my tool chest, the Stanley Number 4.5 smoothing plane is certainly in my top 10. The 4.5 work like a wireless belt sander making a surface smooth and coplanar. Additionally I use the 4.5 to put a fresh edge on a board, as well as trimming  two boards to fit. The 4.5 is an inch longer than its more common little brother (Stanley No.4) and has a wider blade. The extra weight in the 4.5 is part of the reason the new fine woodworking plane from Lee Valley and Lie Nielson are made from brass. I bought this plane in Lostine Oregon, in 2005 for about $60 which seamed like a lot at the time. I have used it on every project over the last twelve years and consider it a “must have” every woodworks toolbox.v#handtools #woodworking #stanley #smoothingplane #stanley4.5 #furniture #craftsman #handplane #lienielson #leevalley #toolbox #toolchest  #lostine #lostineoregon #mcrow
