Veritas Low-Angle Jack Plane
The Veritas Low-Angle Jack Plane is best-in-class for handling difficult grain and general-purpose smoothing thanks to its low-angle cutter, precision-machined sole and robust adjustability. It reduces tearout more effectively than classic Bailey-pattern planes and offers modern micro-adjust features that give it a technical edge over lower-cost Stanleys while remaining more affordable than many premium Lie-Nielsen offerings.
End-grain whisperer
Micro-adjust precision
End-grain whisperer
Micro-adjust precision
Review Summary
"Users praise the precise adjustments, excellent blade quality and smooth planing right out of the box. A few note the higher price but say the performance and tuning convenience justify it."
Skates over knots
Low-angle design excels at end grain cutting and fine smoothing.
Skates over knots
Low-angle design excels at end grain cutting and fine smoothing.
Skill Development & Mastery
Optimized Work Efficiency
Recreational Enjoyment
The Veritas Low-Angle Jack Plane is best-in-class for handling difficult grain and general-purpose smoothing thanks to its low-angle cutter, precision-machined sole and robust adjustability. It reduces tearout more effectively than classic Bailey-pattern planes and offers modern micro-adjust features that give it a technical edge over lower-cost Stanleys while remaining more affordable than many premium Lie-Nielsen offerings.
End-grain whisperer
Micro-adjust precision
Skates over knots
Low-angle design excels at end grain cutting and fine smoothing.
Adjustable mouth and cam-action lever cap provide precise chip control.
End-grain whisperer
Micro-adjust precision
Skates over knots
Low-angle design excels at end grain cutting and fine smoothing.
Adjustable mouth and cam-action lever cap provide precise chip control.
$300-400 CAD
Stanley Sweetheart No. 4 Smoothing Plane
The Stanley Sweetheart No. 4 Smoothing Plane is the market-leading classic for finish work, prized for its familiar Bailey geometry, comfortable ergonomics and broad parts availability. It provides excellent value for money compared with specialty bevel-up or premium planes, and while it lacks the micro-adjust precision of Veritas or the hand-finished fit of Lie-Nielsen, its historically proven performance and lower cost keep it a favorite among woodworkers.
Glasslike finish
Comfort tote love
Glasslike finish
Comfort tote love
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the classic shape and good smoothing performance after modest tuning. Some report variability in factory setup and finish compared with premium makers but generally consider it a reliable classic."
Vintage swagger
Hollow-ground blade and traditional geometry produce excellent finish results.
Vintage swagger
Hollow-ground blade and traditional geometry produce excellent finish results.
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Skill Development & Mastery
The Stanley Sweetheart No. 4 Smoothing Plane is the market-leading classic for finish work, prized for its familiar Bailey geometry, comfortable ergonomics and broad parts availability. It provides excellent value for money compared with specialty bevel-up or premium planes, and while it lacks the micro-adjust precision of Veritas or the hand-finished fit of Lie-Nielsen, its historically proven performance and lower cost keep it a favorite among woodworkers.
Glasslike finish
Comfort tote love
Vintage swagger
Hollow-ground blade and traditional geometry produce excellent finish results.
Cast-iron body with wooden knob and tote preserves the classic feel and balance.
Glasslike finish
Comfort tote love
Vintage swagger
Hollow-ground blade and traditional geometry produce excellent finish results.
Cast-iron body with wooden knob and tote preserves the classic feel and balance.
$200-260 CAD
Lie-Nielsen No. 60-1/2 Adjustable Mouth Block Plane
The Lie-Nielsen No. 60-1/2 Adjustable Mouth Block Plane is the market leader in premium block planes, offering a fully machined, high-stability body, precision adjuster and superior materials that justify its higher price for professionals. It outclasses mass-market Stanleys in tolerances and longevity and stands on par with Veritas in technical capability, making it the go-to investment for shops that prioritize long-term accuracy and resale value.
Pocket powerhouse
Adjustable mouth
Pocket powerhouse
Adjustable mouth
Review Summary
"Reviewers rave about the flawless machining, rock‑solid performance and long-term durability; many say it delivers premium results with minimal fuss. Most buyers consider it worth the high price for frequent use."
Cast-iron solid
Precision-machined bronze/metal body offers superior stability and corrosion resistance.
Cast-iron solid
Precision-machined bronze/metal body offers superior stability and corrosion resistance.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
The Lie-Nielsen No. 60-1/2 Adjustable Mouth Block Plane is the market leader in premium block planes, offering a fully machined, high-stability body, precision adjuster and superior materials that justify its higher price for professionals. It outclasses mass-market Stanleys in tolerances and longevity and stands on par with Veritas in technical capability, making it the go-to investment for shops that prioritize long-term accuracy and resale value.
Pocket powerhouse
Adjustable mouth
Cast-iron solid
Precision-machined bronze/metal body offers superior stability and corrosion resistance.
Adjustable mouth provides fine control over shaving thickness to minimize tear-out.
Pocket powerhouse
Adjustable mouth
Cast-iron solid
Precision-machined bronze/metal body offers superior stability and corrosion resistance.
Adjustable mouth provides fine control over shaving thickness to minimize tear-out.
$450-550 CAD
Veritas Bevel-Up Smoother Plane
The Veritas Bevel-Up Smoother Plane combines a compact bevel-up cutter layout with a low center of gravity and fine mouth adjustment, delivering exceptional versatility for final finishing and rapid setup. It strikes a practical balance between the traditional Stanley smoothing feel and the precision of Lie-Nielsen, offering many of the same technical advantages at a mid-range price while making blade setup for unusual honing angles simpler.
Bevel-up magic
Low-profile glide
Bevel-up magic
Low-profile glide
Review Summary
"Users like its versatility, the bevel-up iron design and the ability to produce very fine shavings with minimal setup. A minority mention they would prefer a different weight or tote options, but overall feedback is highly positive."
Feather-light finish
Bevel-up blade geometry enables low-angle cutting without complex beveling.
Feather-light finish
Bevel-up blade geometry enables low-angle cutting without complex beveling.
Skill Development & Mastery
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Optimized Work Efficiency
The Veritas Bevel-Up Smoother Plane combines a compact bevel-up cutter layout with a low center of gravity and fine mouth adjustment, delivering exceptional versatility for final finishing and rapid setup. It strikes a practical balance between the traditional Stanley smoothing feel and the precision of Lie-Nielsen, offering many of the same technical advantages at a mid-range price while making blade setup for unusual honing angles simpler.
Bevel-up magic
Low-profile glide
Feather-light finish
Bevel-up blade geometry enables low-angle cutting without complex beveling.
Compact ergonomic body gives excellent control for final smoothing passes.
Bevel-up magic
Low-profile glide
Feather-light finish
Bevel-up blade geometry enables low-angle cutting without complex beveling.
Compact ergonomic body gives excellent control for final smoothing passes.
$280-380 CAD
Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane
The Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane is the enduring workhorse for flattening and stock removal, providing robust performance at an accessible price point for hobbyists and contractors. It does not match the micro-adjust features or premium fit of Veritas or Lie-Nielsen, but its ubiquity, spare-part availability and low cost make it the pragmatic choice for heavy use and for buyers seeking reliable value.
Versatile workhorse
Rapid stock removal
Versatile workhorse
Rapid stock removal
Review Summary
"As-delivered examples often need tuning but provide strong value once properly set up. Buyers note inconsistent fit and finish compared with higher-end brands, though performance is respectable for the price."
Reliable old-timer
Proven Bailey-style design offers reliable stock removal for general work.
Reliable old-timer
Proven Bailey-style design offers reliable stock removal for general work.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
The Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane is the enduring workhorse for flattening and stock removal, providing robust performance at an accessible price point for hobbyists and contractors. It does not match the micro-adjust features or premium fit of Veritas or Lie-Nielsen, but its ubiquity, spare-part availability and low cost make it the pragmatic choice for heavy use and for buyers seeking reliable value.
Versatile workhorse
Rapid stock removal
Reliable old-timer
Proven Bailey-style design offers reliable stock removal for general work.
Cast-iron construction is durable and straightforward to maintain.
Versatile workhorse
Rapid stock removal
Reliable old-timer
Proven Bailey-style design offers reliable stock removal for general work.
Cast-iron construction is durable and straightforward to maintain.
$80-150 CAD