For 25 years I imported goods from Asia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and India. In India they have good technically trained people who are proud of their work. I think the importer is responsible for the sub standard features in this brand of tools. The idea of "good enough" but at the lowest price is visible here, put a cherry on top with nice packaging to impress the galery and you have this result. The mark-up on this must be at least 250% landed. I imported goods that cost me 52$ CAD in my warehouse (freight, duty, insurance and broker included),  from China with top specs, no corners cut, and I retailed them 134,95$. My competition was selling lesser quality item for 30$ more. Same quality goods from India cost me 15% less.

Just had a funny thought as this video was wrapping up.

I remember the first few times I ran across and watched Rob’s videos... and I was kind of terrified of him, intimidated even. Tried doing things on my own, watched other creator’s videos, made a mess of things. Eventually came back to Rob. Listened more. Decided to follow Rob and Rob’s methods more. Decided to place an order with Rob’s business. Shocked Rob called me. This was all last year.

Now, 1 year later, Rob’s my go to guy for learning how to do this woodworking thing. Border opens or not, I get selected for PHP or not, nothing will deter me from learning from Rob and finding the peace I need through woodworking with hand tools. I will succeed at this, one way or another, come hell or high water.

Thank you Rob and crew!

I looked to buy a benchdog 5 1/2 after watching this video I'm really glad I waited for my woodriver  5 1/2 thanks again

I wanna say I love the quality of your AUDIO! Got bad hearing from getting blown up too many times and your one of the few channels I can actually hear while up n moving around the shop

Thx, a very thorough investigation, helps to identify which plane i would like to buy👍

Thanks for reviewing that plane. I like seeing tool reviews from a well respected woodworker. It gives us better info when making a purchase so we know what we're getting into.
Personally I know how to make those repairs but in all honesty its worth the extra $ to get one already set up with minor adjustments rather than spending hours setting up a lower quality plane.

I just stumbled across this review. I bought a Bench Dog 5 1/2 about a month or so ago. I like it okay. But I am a beginner and I may not know any better. I ended up buying this plane for two main reasons: one was that an employee of my local Woodcraft store actually told me that he did notliek the Woodriver version of this plane. He mentioned something about the sides being out of spec for squarness and a few other issues. The second reason was they were, and still are, completely out of stock. The newly opened Rockler store in my area had this plane in stock and they had a 20% off coupon. So I only paid about $180 for mine. Since I am not a major user of hand planes, and because I got it at a lower price, I think I can live with many of the functional issues Rob mentioned. I know I can live with the cosmetic issues.

Great review Rob ... the deal breakers for me are casting quality (this is a minor one but it does speak to attention to detail), the screw type "lever" cap and the big one is the frog design.  I don't understand why anyone would design a Stanley Bailey type frog when many manufacturers are able to implement the Bedrock design.  Years ago I bought and refurbished 6 Stanley planes from eBay.  This was at the time when "collectors" were scooping up Bedrock planes for crazy money only to sit on a shelf as an ornament, never to be used. This drives me crazy but that's a subject for another day.  Anyway I was only able to get one Bedrock (my #7) the rest were Bailey design.  Used them for years (still do) but started to upgrade to WoodRiver bench planes 6 years ago (based on your comments and involvement in the design ... thank you for that) ... the time saved in adjustment alone is very helpful.  I don't think the Bench Dog is a piece off junk but it's not for me ... I'm continuing on with WoodRiver as I know I'm getting a quality tool.

Hi Rob .., thanks for the review, I know that it helps a lot of wood workers make the right decision when purchasing a new plane .., I personally have been sticking with the higher end makers , (Lie-Nielsen , Veritas , and Wood River) because I feel that the quality is going to be so much better right out of the box.., one plane maker that I wish that you would do a review on one of their tools is the new line of Clifton planes sold by Woodcraft .., these planes appear high quality in the photos ...., well judging by the cost .., they should be! , they’re up there with Lie-Nielsen!!

I just want to say as a person who recently started woodworking with one of these planes:
1. You are absolutely correct about the hand blister from the front knob. I got one pretty bad.
2. When you don't know what you're doing, adjusting the screw for the lever cap is a source of frustration. An actual lever is so much better.
3. I had problems with mine that I could tell needed fixing (chip breaker, frog adjustment) and at the same time I didn't (and mostly don't) know what I'm doing, so it was a long road of screwing the plane up and trying to fix it only to cave, buy a Lie-Nielson and have no problems whatsoever.

These planes are okay, but as a beginner, I'd not necessarily recommend. Either go cheap / flea market and have the same pain of getting it workable, or go pricey and get a really nice tool if you have the money. This plane lands squarely in the middle ground where an experienced wood worker will know how to set it up well and get their $200 worth out of it. Maybe a good buy as an upgrade once you've cut your teeth a bit on a cheapo.

Your review is thorough, professional and informative.  Well done.  Having restored 8 or 10 old Stanley planes and a knock off plane, It took a lot of trial and error to learn about and appreciate the facets of your review.  I really enjoy using hand planes and the feel of the iron slicing the wood is wonderful.  It also tells you a lot about the grain direction, thickness of the cut, blade sharpness, and surface finish of the wood.  I think the lack feel with this plane is in part caused by the rough bedding of the tote and knob, lighter than usual screws and questionable fit between the blade, frog and frog bed.  A few refinements could improve this product a-lot.  You probably spent an hour tuning the plane.  If the manufacturer spent $10 in effort, they would have a much more competitive product.

Watching this video now. Knowing more about planes and restoring them. I’m realizing these guys need to cut Rob Cosman a check. He just did what a team of engineers and product testers would take a few years to get. And he did it for free and in twenty minutes. So, they need to send the man a thank you card, and some cash. They take this and implement the changes they can have a contender in the hand plane market.

The little bump under the front handle is there for a reason:  keeps it from turning which it's likely to do when you grab it hard.   Also, the short screw holding down the rear handle is perfect for its function.   A flat head screw would tend to split the wood.   I like that it's not counter bored thus maximizing the wood structure under the screw.    Like you, I own Woodriver planes but I wouldn't ding someone for non-performance issues.   Incidentally, I shoot air pistols and the handles on those come blocky - you're expected to use a rasp and file to shape to your preference.  It's not possible to make a handle that fits every hand.   PITA but not a deal breaker if you intend to use the tool long term.

A very unbiased review that I'd sure agree with Rob.

In today's volume production manufacturing environment CNC machine tools are an absolute necessity. I'm real confident that plane's machined and non ground areas were done using a manual mill and a really low skilled operator. The starting nick with the end mill edge at the incorrect elevation and non flat end milled areas prove that. I'd be embarrassed to produce surfaces and finished work that bad with my mill. Even a low end CNC mill could surface the the casting under the tote and properly make the radial cut under the handle in less than two minutes. Secondly whoever did the initial design and specified the + - tolerances didn't have a clue. Or if the drawings were were properly done the manufacturer ignored those and there's no real quality control inspection.

The totes bottom length isn't even close to matching the castings boss length, and those protruding screw heads on hand held surfaces? All that isn't exactly witchcraft to figure out and do properly without adding a single cent to the production costs. They've obviously cut corners for zero benefit and certainly lessened there chances of having any real long term customer loyalty. I'd bet the machining was farmed out to the absolute lowest bidder and it shows that all too well. Unlike most wood workers I could re-machine, fix, or replace parts for most of it's problem areas, but for $220, I'd pay a bit more and get something that works right out of the box. Imo that plane is an over priced starting kit of parts that just about needs access to machine tools to finish it off into something that's ok at most.

Just getting to see someone experienced going through these tools and showing what to look for is great!! I purchased a similar one with a different name but pretty sure its from the same manufacturer. I'll still do my best to make it work for me (just a hobbyist on a budget), and will pay extra care and attention to the points brought up here.
Thanks again, Rob!! And Keep putting out the outstanding videos!!!

Hi Rob! You forgot the grinding of the lever cap. I personally would save up for a better planer. 😁

I appreciate this deep dive. I am brand new to woodworking and was looking at a first bench plane and was considering this brand. Looks like it’s better to splurge the $50 or so on the more reliable brands. I think they trap you that the over $200 price makes you think it’s a good bang for your buck compared to the upper $200-$350 price range models.

I really have learned a lot from how you test new planes thanks

I have a LN bronze #4 that is prized tool cabinet jewelry because my LN 5 1/2 feels so much more natural in use.  
Ditto my Veritas Bevel up #5.  Neither can beat out the 5 1/2.

Rob learned me well.

Perfect timing on the review.  I just received  a 5 1/2 tay tools on Amazon for $133.  Had thought of getting the bench dog.  Glad I did not spend the extra $.   As they are almost identical,  my lever cap is silver and poorer quality then the bench dog.  Thanks keep up the great videos