Best Hand Plane For Smoothing Wood This Year – Hand Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Hand Plane For Smoothing Wood this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Stanley 12-136 No. 4 Smoothing Bench Plane
- High-carbon steel blade
- Durable cast iron body
- Adjustable mouth
- Ergonomic handle
- Precision-ground base
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best hand plane for smoothing wood. If you’re a woodworking enthusiast or a professional carpenter, you know the importance of a high-quality hand plane in your toolkit. This essential tool helps you achieve smooth, flat surfaces on your wood projects, ensuring a perfect finish every time.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes a great hand plane, offer a detailed buying guide, answer common questions, and review some of the top products available on Amazon. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, our guide will help you make an informed decision.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Stanley 12-136 No. 4 Smoothing Bench Plane
The Stanley 12-136 No. 4 Smoothing Bench Plane is a top choice for woodworkers seeking precision and quality. This plane is designed for smooth finishes and ease of use, making it a reliable addition to any toolkit.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Stanley 12-136 for its durability and adjustability. The plane’s high-carbon steel blade ensures a sharp, long-lasting edge, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Features
- High-carbon steel blade
- Durable cast iron body
- Adjustable mouth
- Ergonomic handle
- Precision-ground base
Pros
- Durable construction
- Sharp, long-lasting blade
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable grip
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Heavier than some models
- Requires initial tuning
- Higher price point
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Not ideal for beginners
Our Verdict
The Stanley 12-136 No. 4 Smoothing Bench Plane is an excellent choice for experienced woodworkers seeking a durable and precise tool. Its high-quality blade and ergonomic design make it worth the investment.
2. WoodRiver #4 Bench Plane, V3
The WoodRiver #4 Bench Plane, V3, is a well-crafted tool designed for smooth, accurate woodwork. It combines traditional design with modern materials, making it a favorite among woodworking enthusiasts.
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Why we like it
We appreciate the WoodRiver #4 for its robust construction and attention to detail. The plane’s heavy-duty body and razor-sharp blade provide excellent performance and longevity.
Features
- High-carbon steel blade
- Cast iron body
- Adjustable frog
- Comfortable handles
- Precision-machined base
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Sharp blade
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable to use
- Excellent finish quality
Cons
- Heavier than other planes
- Higher cost
- Requires setup
- Blade may need frequent honing
- Not suited for beginners
Our Verdict
The WoodRiver #4 Bench Plane, V3, is ideal for those who prioritize quality and precision. Its durable build and sharp blade make it a reliable tool for serious woodworkers.
3. Bench Dog Tools No. 5 Jack Plane
The Bench Dog Tools No. 5 Jack Plane offers versatility and performance. It’s designed for both rough and fine woodworking tasks, making it a great all-around hand plane for your collection.
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Why we like it
We like the Bench Dog Tools No. 5 for its versatility and solid construction. The plane’s adjustable features and sharp blade allow for a wide range of woodworking applications.
Features
- High-carbon steel blade
- Cast iron body
- Adjustable mouth
- Ergonomic handles
- Versatile design
Pros
- Versatile use
- Durable build
- Sharp blade
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable handles
Cons
- Heavier than some models
- Requires tuning
- Higher price
- Blade sharpening needed
- Not beginner-friendly
Our Verdict
The Bench Dog Tools No. 5 Jack Plane is a versatile tool suitable for various woodworking tasks. Its durability and performance make it a valuable addition to any workshop.
4. Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench Plane
The Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench Plane is an affordable and reliable option for woodworkers of all levels. Its adjustable features and solid construction make it a great choice for smoothing wood surfaces.
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Why we like it
We like the Stanley 12-404 for its affordability and ease of use. The plane’s adjustable mouth and sharp blade provide excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Features
- Steel blade
- Durable body
- Adjustable mouth
- Comfortable handles
- Affordable price
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Sharp blade
- Comfortable
Cons
- Less durable
- Requires frequent sharpening
- Initial setup needed
- Heavier body
- Not professional-grade
Our Verdict
The Stanley 12-404 Adjustable Bench Plane is a cost-effective option for those looking for a reliable hand plane. Its affordability and performance make it suitable for hobbyists and beginners.
5. Stanley 12-137 No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane
The Stanley 12-137 No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane is designed for versatility and precision. Its low angle blade makes it ideal for end grain work and achieving a smooth finish on various wood types.
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Why we like it
We appreciate the Stanley 12-137 for its low angle design, which provides a superior finish on difficult wood grains. The plane’s adjustable features and ergonomic design enhance its usability.
Features
- Low angle blade
- Durable body
- Adjustable mouth
- Ergonomic handles
- Versatile use
Pros
- Low angle for precision
- Durable construction
- Adjustable
- Comfortable to use
- Versatile
Cons
- Higher price
- Requires setup
- Heavier
- Blade sharpening needed
- Not beginner-friendly
Our Verdict
The Stanley 12-137 No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane is perfect for those needing precision and versatility. Its low angle design and durable build make it a valuable tool for serious woodworkers.
6. Grizzly Industrial H7566 – 14" Smoothing Plane
The Grizzly Industrial H7566 – 14″ Smoothing Plane is a robust and reliable tool designed for achieving smooth finishes on large wood surfaces. Its heavy-duty construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Grizzly Industrial H7566 for its durability and large size. The plane’s heavy-duty body and sharp blade make it suitable for extensive woodworking projects.
Features
- High-carbon steel blade
- Heavy-duty body
- Adjustable frog
- Comfortable handles
- Large size
Pros
- Durable
- Sharp blade
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Great for large surfaces
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires frequent sharpening
- Higher price
- Initial setup needed
- Not beginner-friendly
Our Verdict
The Grizzly Industrial H7566 – 14″ Smoothing Plane is ideal for large woodworking projects. Its durability and performance make it a reliable tool for professional woodworkers.
7. Faithfull No.4 Smoothing Plane
The Faithfull No.4 Smoothing Plane is a budget-friendly option for achieving smooth wood finishes. Its simple design and reliable performance make it a great tool for beginners and hobbyists.
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Why we like it
We appreciate the Faithfull No.4 for its affordability and ease of use. The plane’s straightforward design and sharp blade provide good performance for basic woodworking tasks.
Features
- Steel blade
- Durable body
- Adjustable mouth
- Comfortable handles
- Affordable
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Sharp blade
- Comfortable
Cons
- Less durable
- Frequent sharpening needed
- Initial setup required
- Heavier
- Not professional-grade
Our Verdict
The Faithfull No.4 Smoothing Plane is a cost-effective choice for beginners and hobbyists. Its affordability and reliable performance make it a good starting point for woodworking projects.
8. Stanley 12-138 No. 9-1/2 Block Plane
The Stanley 12-138 No. 9-1/2 Block Plane is a versatile tool designed for fine-tuning and smoothing small wood surfaces. Its compact size and adjustable features make it a handy addition to any toolkit.
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Why we like it
We like the Stanley 12-138 for its versatility and ease of use. The plane’s compact design and sharp blade make it perfect for detailed woodworking tasks.
Features
- Steel blade
- Compact body
- Adjustable mouth
- Ergonomic handles
- Versatile
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Sharp blade
- Affordable
Cons
- Less durable
- Frequent sharpening
- Initial setup needed
- Small size
- Not for large surfaces
Our Verdict
The Stanley 12-138 No. 9-1/2 Block Plane is ideal for detailed woodworking tasks. Its compact size and versatility make it a handy tool for fine-tuning and smoothing small surfaces.
9. Stanley 12-220 Block Plane
The Stanley 12-220 Block Plane is a reliable and affordable tool for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces. Its adjustable features and durable construction make it a great choice for both beginners and professionals.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Stanley 12-220 for its affordability and versatility. The plane’s adjustable mouth and sharp blade provide good performance for various woodworking tasks.
Features
- Steel blade
- Durable body
- Adjustable mouth
- Comfortable handles
- Affordable
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Adjustable
- Sharp blade
- Durable
Cons
- Frequent sharpening
- Initial setup needed
- Heavier
- Not professional-grade
- Requires tuning
Our Verdict
The Stanley 12-220 Block Plane is a cost-effective and reliable tool for smoothing and shaping wood. Its affordability and performance make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects.
10. Kunz No. 4 Smoothing Plane
The Kunz No. 4 Smoothing Plane is a well-crafted tool designed for achieving smooth wood finishes. Its robust construction and sharp blade provide excellent performance and durability.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Kunz No. 4 for its quality and precision. The plane’s durable body and adjustable features make it a reliable tool for both beginners and professionals.
Features
- High-carbon steel blade
- Durable body
- Adjustable frog
- Comfortable handles
- Precision machining
Pros
- Durable
- Sharp blade
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Precise
Cons
- Higher price
- Requires setup
- Heavier
- Frequent sharpening
- Not beginner-friendly
Our Verdict
The Kunz No. 4 Smoothing Plane is ideal for those seeking quality and precision. Its durable construction and sharp blade make it a valuable tool for achieving smooth wood finishes.
Buying Guide
When purchasing a hand plane for smoothing wood, several factors should be considered to ensure you choose the right tool for your needs:
- Blade Quality: The blade is the most critical component of a hand plane. Look for a blade made from high-carbon steel or other durable materials. A sharp, high-quality blade will give you a smoother finish. For more information on blade materials, you can check out Wood Magazine and Popular Woodworking.
- Body Material: Hand planes come in various materials, including cast iron, bronze, and wood. Cast iron is durable and provides a smooth glide, while bronze offers a balance of weight and durability. Wooden planes are lighter but may not be as durable.
- Size and Weight: The size and weight of the hand plane can affect its usability. A heavier plane can provide more stability, while a lighter one is easier to maneuver. Choose a size that fits comfortably in your hand.
- Adjustability: Look for hand planes with adjustable blades and depth controls. This feature allows you to customize the tool to your specific needs, making it more versatile for different projects.
- Brand Reputation: Always consider the brand’s reputation when buying a hand plane. Established brands like Stanley, Lie-Nielsen, and WoodRiver are known for their quality and reliability.
FAQs
What is a hand plane used for?
A hand plane is used for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces. It can also be used for trimming, fitting joints, and shaping wood. It’s an essential tool for achieving a precise and smooth finish in woodworking projects.
How do I sharpen a hand plane blade?
Sharpening a hand plane blade involves using a sharpening stone or a honing guide. First, flatten the back of the blade, then sharpen the bevel edge at the correct angle. Regular maintenance ensures the blade remains sharp and effective.
Can beginners use a hand plane?
Yes, beginners can use a hand plane with some practice. Start with a well-tuned, easy-to-adjust plane and practice on scrap wood. Understanding the basics of blade adjustment and wood grain direction will help you achieve better results.
What is the difference between a smoothing plane and a block plane?
A smoothing plane is designed for final finishing, creating a smooth surface on wood. A block plane is smaller and more versatile, often used for trimming and fitting joints. Both are essential for different aspects of woodworking.
How do I maintain my hand plane?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the plane after use, sharpening the blade, and applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Proper storage in a dry place also helps maintain the tool’s longevity.
Conclusion
Choosing the best hand plane for smoothing wood involves considering several factors, including blade quality, body material, size, adjustability, and brand reputation. With the right tool, you can achieve a professional finish on your woodworking projects. Our guide and reviews aim to help you make an informed decision, ensuring you invest in a hand plane that meets your needs and delivers excellent results.