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Jack Planes

top picks

What’s in the Toolbox

tool

features

options

SPEAR and JACKSON Jack Plane Carpenters No.5 (CJP5)

  • Ideal for the initial preparation of rough timber
  • Cast iron body
  • Precision milled base and faces
  • 50mm (2″) wide high carbon steel blade
  • Brass adjusting screw

Option 1
1 PACK
(1) Jack Plane Carpenters No.5 (CJP5)

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FAITHFULL Jack Plane No.5 (‎FAIPLANE5)

  • For initial preparation of rough timber
  • Grey cast iron body
  • Strong and stable
  • Precision ground base
  • Wooden handles with guidance knobs for comfort
  • 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee

Option 1
1 PACK
(1) Jack Plane No.5 (‎FAIPLANE5)

See Pricing

REWAN Jack Plane Set No 5 with Protective Sleeve and Extra Blade (‎No. 5 Jack Plane)

  • Comes with an additional hand planer blade and made of high quality stainless steel
  • Designed wood handle ensures a comfortable grip for all your woodworking activities
  • Safeguard your hand planes with a complementary protective cover

Option 1
1 PACK
(1) Jack Plane Set No 5 (‎No. 5 Jack Plane)
(1) Extra Blade
(1) Protective Sleeve

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STANLEY Jack Plane 62 Low Angle (12-137)

  • Iron of the hand planer for woodworking is made from extra-thick 3.18 mm (1/8″)
  • A2 steel for excellent edge retention
  • Cherry wood handle and knob for comfort
  • The bench plane has norris type adjustment for ease of use
  • Adjustable throat plate for different types of wood
  • Replacement Blade 12-142

Option 1
1 PACK
(1) Jack Plane 62 Low Angle (12-137)

See Pricing

a Tool for Every Job

The Jack Plane stands as an iconic tool by tradespeople across generations for its required role in woodworking. Renowned for its usefulness and accuracy the Jack Plane is a cornerstone in the toolbox of carpenters, furniture makers and craftspeople. Its primary function lies in smoothing and shaping wood essential for creating precise joinery, refining surfaces to perfection and ensuring structural integrity in woodworking projects.

Carpenters rely on the Jack Plane to flatten rough timber, preparing it for construction with precision and efficiency. Furniture makers use it to craft elegant designs, smoothing surfaces to a finish that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. In the hands of skilled tradespeople the Jack Plane embodies craftsmanship and artistry, transforming raw materials into refined pieces.

Beyond its technical utility the Jack Plane symbolizes the dedication and expertise of tradespeople. It requires skillful manipulation and an understanding of wood grain and tool mechanics reflecting a deep rooted commitment to excellence in the trade. Whether in traditional workshops or modern studios the Jack Plane remains a testament to craftsmanship bridging past traditions with contemporary innovation in woodworking and design.

BUYERS GUIDE

Jack Planes

Quality of Materials and Construction:

The foundation of a reliable Jack Plane lies in its materials and construction. Look for planes crafted from high grade steel for the blade and a sturdy body made of hardwood or robust metal. This ensures durability and resilience crucial for enduring the demands of woodworking tasks while maintaining precise performance.

Blade Sharpness and Adjustability:

The blade is the heart of any plane. Seek planes equipped with sharp high-carbon steel blades that retain their edge over prolonged use. Easy to use adjustment mechanisms for blade depth and alignment are essential allowing for precise customization to achieve smooth and controlled cuts across various wood types and grain orientations.

Comfortable Ergonomics:

Ergonomics significantly impact user comfort and efficiency. Choose a Jack Plane with a well designed handle that offers a secure grip and minimizes hand fatigue during extended use. Balanced weight distribution enhances maneuverability and control facilitating effortless operation across diverse woodworking projects.

Versatility for Various Tasks:

Consider the plane’s versatility and adaptability to different woodworking tasks. Consider models that excel in both rough stock removal and fine finishing. Adjustable throat openings and versatile blade positioning systems expand functionality accommodating a wide range of woodworking requirements with ease.

Durability and Longevity:

Ensure the Jack Plane is built to last with durable materials that can withstand heavy use without compromising performance. Look for features like rust resistant coatings or treatments that enhance longevity especially if you work in environments prone to moisture or humidity.

Compatibility with Accessories:

Consider if the Jack Plane is compatible with accessories or additional blades that can expand its functionality. Some planes offer compatibility with specialized blades for specific tasks like smoothing, jointing or creating decorative profiles providing versatility in your woodworking arsenal.

Ease of Maintenance:

Choose a Jack Plane that is easy to maintain and service. Look for models with accessible blade replacement systems or user friendly maintenance procedures outlined in the manufacturer’s guidelines. This ensures you can keep your plane in optimal condition for prolonged use.

UNVEILING THE pros AND conS

Jack Planes

pros

  • Advantages of jack planes is their versatility in woodworking tasks. They are capable of both rough stock removal and finer smoothing making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need to quickly flatten a rough board or smooth out imperfections before final finishing, a jack plane can handle both tasks effectively.
  • Jack planes shine in quickly removing material and leveling surfaces. This efficiency is particularly beneficial during the initial stages of a woodworking project where rapid material removal is necessary to prepare the wood for more detailed work. Their ability to cover large areas swiftly makes them vital for tasks such as dimensioning lumber or leveling wide panels.
  • With adjustable blade depths and precise handling, jack planes offer excellent control over the depth of cuts. Woodworkers can adjust the plane’s settings to achieve precise shaving thickness, allowing for accurate shaping and smoothing of wood surfaces. This control is crucial for achieving desired thicknesses and surface qualities ensuring consistent results across different wood types and grain patterns.
  • When properly tuned and used with skill, jack planes can achieve smooth even surfaces that are ready for further finishing. They remove tear out and surface irregularities effectively leaving behind surfaces that require minimal sanding or additional preparation. This capability is essential for achieving high quality woodworking projects with professional grade finishes.

cons

  • Jack planes may not achieve the same level of surface smoothness as finer planes dedicated to smoothing tasks. The larger blade and heavier body can leave behind visible plane tracks or minor surface imperfections which may require additional effort to remove during final finishing stages.
  • Using jack planes can be physically demanding especially when tackling harder woods or larger surfaces. The effort required to push the plane across the wood and maintain consistent pressure can be tiring over extended periods. This physical aspect may limit their usability for users with less strength or stamina.
  • Effective use of a jack plane requires skill and experience. Woodworkers need to understand blade adjustment, proper technique for even pressure application and the distinctions of wood grain direction to achieve optimal results. Mastery of these skills takes time and practice making jack planes more suitable for experienced or intermediate woodworkers.
  • Larger jack planes particularly those with longer bodies can be cumbersome to maneuver especially in tight spaces or when working on smaller intricate details. Their size may limit their application for fine, detailed work where smaller more maneuverable planes would be more suitable.