Best Block Plane Reviews: The Top Tools To Use
Contents
The best block plane is going to be compact and well balanced. You may prefer a standard version or a low-angle model.
Whatever the case may be, a sharp block plane takes razor-thin shavings that are ideal for final fitting. Hand planes have been around for centuries, and the block plane still earns its place next to power planers and jointers.
A low-angle block plane beds the blade at about 12 degrees, for an effective cutting angle near 37 degrees, which works better on end grain. A standard block plane beds it at about 20 degrees, for roughly 45 degrees, which handles general work and tricky face grain.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley 12-139 Bailey Low Angle Block Plane | 4.3 | $$$$$ | |
| Woodstock D3831 Adjustable Block Plane | 4.1 | $$$$$+ | |
| Senkichi 65mm Japanese Wood Block Plane | 4.8 | $$$$ | |
| Power Tools 3-Piece Micro-Brass Block Plane Set | 4.9 | $$ | |
| E.C. Emmerich 649P Adjustable Block Plane | 4.9 | $$$$$+ | |
| Stanley 12-220 Block Plane | 4.0 | $$ | |
| Sheffield 58452 3-Inch Block Plane | 4.5 | $ | |
| Kanna Japanese Wood Block Plane | 4.6 | $ | |
| Great Neck Saw C2 Block Plane | 4.5 | $ | |
| Stanley 12-136 No. 4 Smooth ing Plane | 4.4 | $$$$$+ | |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
Note that the Stanley 12-136 in the table is a No. 4 smoothing plane, a bench plane rather than a block plane.
Best Block Plane Reviews
1. Stanley
This block plane gets all of the basics right. It’s a low-angle block plane with the blade bed cast into the body, and a precision-machined sole.
It’s a little heavy, but in a good way, because of the iron casting. Users also get to take advantage of the mouth adjustment feature so that different types of wood can be planed.
If you want the best, then this is one of the tools you’ll want to give a closer look.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get a great deal.
2. Woodstock
This 6-inch block plane is fully adjustable so that you can take on virtually any project with success. It features low-angle blade so that you can take care of end grain or face grain with consistent results. Its compact size lets you keep your leverage consistent with every stroke.
The blade is 1-3/8 inches wide.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get a great deal.
3. Senkichi
This Japanese-style block plane is the carpenter’s tool you’ll want to have in your arsenal. It makes your finishing work become super simple.
The sharpness is true and this plane holds its edge for quite some time. You do need to take some extra time to set this block plane up and that will take you most of an afternoon to do.
Once tuned, it gives you fine control and very thin shavings. Like most Japanese planes, it cuts on the pull stroke.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get a great deal.
4. Power Tools
This 3-piece block plane set gives you the bullnose and scraper in addition to the primary tool we’re talking about here. The shavings are relatively consistent with this tool, but it isn’t going to outperform the more expensive models that are available in this category.
The planes are small, which is nice for tight spaces and models, but slow on larger projects. Owners report that the edge holds reasonably well.
If you can tune a plane yourself, you can save some money with this set.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get a great deal.
5. E.C. Emmerich
This adjustable block plane gets all of the basics right. It creates a smooth final surface thanks to its precision controls, including a depth adjustment feature.
The iron width is just 39 millimeters, so it’s smaller than some other block planes, but that also makes it easier to carry around as well. It’s also made from wood instead of cast iron or metal, so the feeling of the work is more natural with this tool.
Its lignum vitae sole is dense and slides smoothly over the work.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get a great deal.
Our Favorite Block Planes
A compact block plane should fit comfortably into the palm of your hand. It should feel natural to use, have a rounded lever cap, and let you press the sole firmly onto the wood.
An adjustable mouth, found on higher-end models, can be closed up for fine smoothing or opened for heavier cuts.
The Benefits of Using the Best Block Planes
A block plane gives you the ability to handle several different tasks that may come up during your woodworking project. Some of these tasks would even be difficult or dangerous to complete if you were to try using a power tool. Here is why a block plane is one of the best investments you can make into your woodworking today.
-
It can erase mills marks
Machine-milling marks on your wood can ruin the aesthetics of your project. Using a block plane will remove those marks while maintaining a smooth working surface with just a few passes of the tool.
-
It can help you to true small items
There are some pieces that are just too small to make true with a power tool. Having the best block plane at your work bench can help you square up wooden parts that may be so small that they are difficult to hold in your hands.
-
It can help to bevel an edge
You can also use a block plane to chamfer edges, fit doors and drawers, or plane to a specific line. Instead of needing to rework an item from scratch, this tool allows you to shave off the small parts mismeasurements that may be interfering with your completed project.
It’s been a tough choice, but we think our recommendation for the best block plane should be the Woodstock model for its speed of use and low angled blade.
What will it cost me to buy the Best Block Planes?
Basic block planes are inexpensive, while premium planes from specialty makers cost several times more. Budget planes often need flattening and sharpening before they work well.
You’ll also need sharpening supplies, such as stones or a honing guide, to keep any plane cutting cleanly.
Sources
- Standard vs. Low-Angle Block Planes, Fine Woodworking
- Block Plane Basics, Popular Woodworking
