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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Jack Planes for Smooth & Level Wood Planing
A jack plane is a type of woodworking hand plane commonly used for rough shaping and smoothing wood. It typically has a long sole (base) and a blade (iron) set at an angle, allowing it to remove material quickly and leave behind a smooth surface. Jack planes are essential tools in woodworking, often used for the initial flattening of rough-sawn lumber or general-purpose shaping before finer smoothing with other planes.
We reviewed a ton of jack planes, looking at their sturdiness, durability, user-friendliness, and adjustability. The AmazonBasics Jack Plane takes the top spot on our list because of its affordable price, durable cast iron body, and sharp steel alloy blade.
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The Best Jack Planes
Best Overall
AmazonBasics is famous for offering quality products at affordable prices. And this bench hand plane is no different. This product is actually so impressive it’s nabbed our “best overall” award, owing to the extreme value and functionality it offers to customers. This product features a compact build made from cast iron and a 2-inch steel alloy blade. Although its durable construction can withstand years of rough use, the small blade blunts easily when used intensely. So, this jack plane is suitable for lighter, small-scale projects.
That said, the blade has a higher angle than 45 degrees. It shaves the wood gently yet accurately, allowing you to make the tiniest of modifications with perfection. And, in case you want deeper and faster cuts, there are adjustable knobs for altering the height of the blade. The jack plane also has sturdy plastic handles, providing a contoured and firm grip. Your hands won’t shake, slip, or even ache.
Pros
- Makes very precise cuts
- Easily adjustable
- Durably constructed
Cons
- Not for intense use
Great Performance
If you don’t mind doing a little tuning before work, the Stanley Hand Planer will leave you stunned by its performance. It’s a small jack plane with a premium-quality blade positioned at a 21 degrees angle. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re downsizing or smoothing wood. You can expect it to deliver superior precision results every single time. Additionally, while its blade position is excellent for cross-grain surfaces, you will find it works equally well on others – just tweak the adjustable blade to the preferred angle and height. Further, this product has a sturdy cast-iron base, offering stability. It won’t vibrate or move, improving work accuracy. The tool also has an epoxy coating for protection against damage and scratches. So, it will maintain its original look for quite some time.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Good for cross-grain planing
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires semi-frequent tuning
Ideal for Professionals
Coming with a slightly higher price tag, the Grizzly Industrial Jack Plane is a professional-level tool designed for final finishing work. It includes a premium flat sole, cast-iron base, and sharp blade. This tool can shave and smooth any wooden surface easily and the sole also reduces resistance, improving the sliding action. So, you won’t have to put a ton of effort in for great results. This product features ergonomic rosewood knobs and handles. The curved structure offers a firm and stable grip, giving you powerful control over the tool while working. And, this large industrial jack plane is also fully adjustable. You can also modify its parts, making it efficient for the desired function.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Great for smoothing
- High-quality build
Cons
- Can be difficult to adjust
Durable Construction
The WoodRiver Bench Plane is a premium option inspired by Stanley’s finest plane range, the Bedrocks. It has a large and narrow cast-iron body, suitable for any woodworking project. Also, it features a 2 ⅜ inch blade made from high-carbon steel. This material has great resistance to corrosion and rust. So, although this product is a bit of a heavyweight, the sturdy construction will allow this tool to last through years of professional use. Plus, you’ll find Bubinga wood handles and knobs come installed. This quality wood, coupled with a contoured design, offers you a firm and comfortable grip, giving you complete control over the jack plane’s movement.
Pros
- Delivers precise results
- Great size variety
- Easy to operate
Cons
- On the heavier side
Great Value
Are you looking for a high-quality jack plane that won’t break the bank? Well, then this Faithful Number 4 Plane will help with all your woodworking projects. The medium-sized jack plane has a premium metal blade and cast-iron base. So, expect high resistance against corrosion and damage. Plus, the heavy base is perfectly square and flat, ensuring stability and precision as you smooth wooden blocks. The high-angled blade also scrapes the surface, gently achieving fine results. However, the blade does not come sharpened. You will have to do a little work before it’s capable of its peak performance. Nonetheless, the ergonomic handles and sturdiness of this jack plane make it a good budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Provides a smooth finish
- Sturdy construction
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- Blades may require sharpening
The Best Jack Plane Buying Guide
Jack planes are versatile tools used for smoothing and shaping wood, making them indispensable in workshops. This guide will walk you through key features to consider before buying, the types of jack planes available, and essential tips for making an informed purchase.
What Is a Jack Plane?
A jack plane is a general-purpose, handheld woodworking tool. It has a flat, narrow base and an angled blade. The blade scrapes and shaves material as you move it along a wooden surface. This particular function makes jack planes suitable for two important tasks: downsizing and smoothing & finishing.
- Downsizing: This scraping movement removes unwanted and unnecessary wood and allows you to trim sides and edges smoothly.
- Smoothing and Finishing: Most wood surfaces are rough and textured. A jack plane can help remove this top layer and smooth the wood for a finished look.
Both DIYers and professionals find jack planes to be versatile, productive tools. They can use this simple product for altering wood in whatever way they want. Plus, these items come at extremely affordable prices.
What’s the difference between jack planes and other types of planes?
Jack Planes vs. Smoothing Planes
The smoothing plane’s fundamental objective is making wood suitable for polishing and finishing. Meanwhile, jack planes merely flatten surfaces.
Jack Planes vs Bench Planes
Bench planes are heavy-duty tools for flattening and smoothing long wood panels. A jack plane is a type of bench plane that is smaller, lighter, and best for high-precision, detailed work.
Jack Planes vs Block Planes
A block plane falls in the fine woodworking category like a jack plane. However, it has a smaller and lower-angled blade. Most craftsmen use block planes exclusively for trimming edges and fitting joints.
What to Consider Before Buying a Jack Plane
Dimensions
Jack planes are available in small, medium, and large sizes. The one you should choose depends on your particular project type. For example, if precision-cutting and detailed woodworking are your primary concern, opt for a smaller jack plane. It will give you the control and stability required for precise cuts and shaping. Conversely, large jack planes are great for downsizing and smoothing wide wood panels. Meanwhile, medium sizes work well with all projects.
Blade Thickness
Blade thickness determines the cut depth and a blade’s longevity. While thinner blades scrape finely, they do not withstand pressure and bend well. In some cases, a blade may even break, risking severe injury. Always look for a moderately thick blade around 2 mm. If your work doesn’t require fine scraping, opting for thicker blades of 3-3.5 mm is better.
Blade Angle
The angle of a blade has a significant impact on its performance. Generally, there are two blade positions: high-angled (greater than 45 degrees) and low-angled (lesser than 45 degrees). The high-angled models scrape surfaces gently, making them perfect for finishing and smoothing. Comparatively, low-angled blades shave and slice surfaces deeply. They are suitable for rough stages of woodworking, where faster speed is a priority over smooth results. All that being said, you can also find jack planes with adjustable builds. These planes feature knobs for altering the angle and height of a blade. So, you can use one jack plane to achieve various results.
Material
The construction of a jack plane directly affects its durability. For handles, wood and steel work equally well; the material in the handle has little impact on the tool’s longevity. However, it does very much influence user comfort. You should look for the ideal materials used in each part of the tool, including:
- High carbon steel (Blade): This is a rigid, strong steel type with powerful resistance to abrasion. These blades can withstand extreme force and pressure, remaining straight and rust-free for years.
- Cast-iron (Base): Cast-iron bases may be heavy but are also the most stable options. They won’t move or shake, improving accuracy. Plus, these bases won’t corrode or rust.
- Steel (Screws): Screws hold a structure together, so they must be hard and strong. Most jack planes feature brass screws for aesthetics. However, avoid these because brass is much weaker than steel.
Grip
Since woodworking takes time, the handle should have an ergonomic design so that you can hold the tool comfortably. It should also have a slight curve or angle, providing a steady hold on the tool. The presence of textured surfaces further enhances the control and works to prevent slipping. Maintenance Tips Sharpen the Blade: Regularly sharpen the blade for optimal performance. Keep It Clean: Wipe down the plane afterward to prevent rust and buildup. Check Adjustments: Ensure all adjustments are tight and the plane is properly set up before use.
Maintenance Tips
Sharpen the Blade: Regularly sharpen the blade for optimal performance.
Keep It Clean: Wipe down the plane afterward to prevent rust and buildup.
Check Adjustments: Ensure all adjustments are tight and the plane is properly set up before use.
People Also Asked
Why is it called a jack plane?
Jack planes received their name from the saying “jack of all trades”. The versatile tool can perform various woodworking tasks, like smoothing and downsizing. However, fittingly, it specializes in none.
How long are No. 5 jack planes?
The standard length of the jack plane is 11-15 inches. But, you can also find it in different sizes depending on your needs. Small jack planes are 5-10 inches long, larger ones are found in a range above 15 inches.
What can you do with a low-angle jack plane?
A low-angle jack plane has a blade positioned at an angle below 45 degrees. These jack planes are ideal for working with end grain, shooting miters, and initial smoothing. You may not find it suitable for scraping and final finishing.
How long do jack planes last?
Jack planes are made of steel, cast iron, and similar heavy-duty materials. As a result, these woodworking tools are durable and sturdy. You can expect them to withstand a good 5 to 10 years of regular use.
Are Jack Planes the same as Smoothing Planes?
While jack planes may help with smoothing wood surfaces, they are not the same as smoothing planes. Both planes have different structures and functions. A smoothing plane is a highly specialized tool that helps produce very smooth and flat surfaces.
