Clifton No. 4 - Smoothing Plane

The Clifton No. 4 is a classic finishing plane designed for the final smoothing of wood. With a 50 mm wide blade, it is one of the most widely used planes in woodworking for achieving extremely smooth surfaces before finishing.

Produced in Sheffield by Thomas Flinn & Co. under the Clifton brand, this planer combines traditional manufacturing methods with high-precision machining. The result is a robust, balanced tool, ready to work practically right out of the box.

It is a plane that is particularly appreciated by cabinetmakers, furniture makers and demanding carpenters, both professionals and advanced amateurs.

Construction and materials

The body and frame are made of high-quality gray cast iron, with all critical surfaces fully machined. The sole and sides are precision ground, ensuring stability and smooth gliding over wood.

The rear grip and front button are made of carefully shaped, sanded, and sealed walnut, providing comfort and control during use.

The cutting iron is produced from cryogenically treated and hardened O1 steel to between 60–62 HRC. Approximately 3 mm thick, it offers high rigidity and stability during cutting. The one-piece counter-iron ensures a firm and effective clamping.

Several mechanical components are manufactured from polished brass and polished stainless steel, ensuring durability and smooth operation over time.

Bedrock System

Clifton planes use a system based on the well-known Bedrock design, originally developed for older Stanley planes. In this system, the frog sits on a fully machined surface in the plane body, creating an extremely stable base for the iron.

This construction increases the rigidity of the assembly and allows for very controlled cuts, reducing vibrations and improving the quality of the finish.

Another advantage of this system is that it allows adjusting the planer jaw opening without disassembling the iron assembly , making it easier to fine-tune the tool according to the type of wood or the type of cut desired.

Main features

– Finishing planer for final smoothing
– Width of the iron: 50 mm (2″)
– Cryogenically treated O1 steel iron
– Iron hardness: 60–62 HRC
– Iron thickness: 3 mm
– Body made of precision-machined gray cast iron
Walnut handles
– Components made of polished brass and stainless steel
Bedrock-type frog system for maximum stability.
– Precise adjustment of the mouth opening
– Made in Sheffield, England