The new WoodRiver No. 92 Shoulder Plane combines the best of the Edward Preston and Sons’ plane designs with modern WoodRiver® features to create a “new classic” with the look and feel of a shiny antique but the body of shoulder plane equipped for serious shop work, whether cleaning up tenons, rabbets and dadoes or creating joints.
The WoodRiver No. 92 is the result of two years of extensive prototyping and testing to develop a classic look for a plane that works as good as it looks. The classic shoulder plane features were retained – narrow body, slightly proud blade (to clean corners), sides square to the sole, flat bottoms and a necessary robustness—but a major new feature was added, an adjustable toe used to control the throat opening and help to minimize tear-out.
The body of the No. 92 is Cr40 stress-relieved ductile steel, machined square and flat, and the blade is Mn65 tool steel hardened to 60-64 Rc which combines toughness with the ability to take a keen edge.
The blade advancement mechanism is smooth and precise. Dimensions : Body–length 7″, width 3/4″, height 2-1/2″; Overall Plane–length 8-13/16″, width 3/4″, height 3-1/4″; weight: 2 lbs., 3.4 oz.; bedded angle, 15°; blade angle 25°.
- For tweaking tenons, rabbets and dados
- Sides square to sole
- Classic look and feel
- Adjustable Mouth for Minimizing Tear out
We asked woodworker and teacher, Jerill Vance to take a look at our shoulder plane and give us an unbiased review based on his woodworking knowledge and experience. We first met Jerill almost 3 years ago at the Pocahontas Woods Fine Woodworking School, where he obtained his woodworking degree. You can find out all about Jerill from our previous blog, Pocahontas Woods Fine Woodworking School, and from his website - www.JerillVanceWoodworks.com.
Jerill stated, “Recently, I obtained a new Wood River #92 Shoulder Plane. It is an elegant, precision instrument of quality craftsmanship at a very modest price. The look, weight and comfort of this tool make it the envy of any woodworker. After spending a brief but enjoyable amount of time fine tuning and sharpening the iron in this plane, it created very fine shavings. With the adjustable mouth and blade it can be set up to easily trim a misaligned shoulder on any tenon joint. However, as I explained to a friend of mine, it is more than just a shoulder plane. The blade can be set flush with one edge and used to pare away excess material on the cheeks of the tenon. While I have the plane in my hand I also use it to chamfer the leading edge of the tenon.”
“So I wonder why is it not called a tenoning plane? To me it seems more logical since I use on every aspect of the tenon and not just the shoulder. How many hand tools excel in versatility but are stigmatized with a name that implies only one use? So if you don’t own a “tenoning” plane I suggest you consider one of these multi-use tools. Those on a fixed woodworking budget will be surprised at the modest price. So check out the Wood River #92 shoulder… I mean tenoning – plane. I am sure will you find a great use of this tool.”
Jerill also took the time to visit us at our Woodcraft Magazine Shop where we recorded this interview…
Check out the new WoodRiver No. 92 Shoulder Plane, item #154032, now available at your local Woodcraft store. Jerill, thank you for all your time and support on this project, we appreciate all your efforts.
