Know How to Choose the Best Block Planes
The sound made by a block plane is soothing music to the soul of an artisan. This serves as a close connection between the workpiece and the artisan's personality.
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Despite the various hand power tools in the market, still, a lot of people prefer the manual handheld block planes as it reflects the personal touch of the woodworker.
In order to make that masterpiece, you need to have a good block plane. If you don’t have any idea on how to choose the right one, good thing you came to our place. Here, we are going to show you a quick and easy guide in choosing the best block planes for 2020.
To save you some time, we also included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for the top 10 best block planes for 2020.
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KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR the Best Block Plane
Here are the essential features and factors you need to consider when choosing for the right block plane that meets your requirement.
1. Block Plane Types: Low angle vs Standard
Typically, there are two types of block plane based on the angle they make from the workpiece.
2. Quality and Durability
You have two options for this: wooden or metal block plane. If you want to have the feeling of antiquity, then a wooden block plane is most suitable. Whereas, if you are the modern type of person, then the metal block plane will be of good choice.
The difference between the two lies in durability. I am not saying wooden types are not durable but a block plane made from metal will surely last longer.
3. Other Features
Aside from the ones mentioned, there are other things you need to look for a good block plane. These features include easy and smooth cutting depth adjustment, a flat sole, and an adjustable throat.
Top 10 Best Block Plane reviews
1. Stanley 12-404 No.4 Bench Plane 2” Cutter
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Quick-release cam lock for easy blade removal | • The depth cut adjustment must be oiled a bit |
• Sleek and sturdy construction | ? |
• Tempered and a sharp cutter | ? |
• Depth cut adjustment | ? |
Best Choice
This block plane has great quality at a reasonable price. Likewise, there are few things to keep in mind for this tool. The sole isn't that flat so you can sand it a bit. Next, make sure the blade is aligned with the sole. The overall construction of the plane is sturdy and sleek surface.
Note: You need to lubricate a bit the depth cut adjustment of the plane.
2. GreatNeck C4 9” Bench Plane 2” Cutter
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Reasonable price | • Several things to prepare |
• Adjustable block plane | ? |
• Well polished construction | ? |
• Sturdy and tempered cutter | ? |
Easy Blade Adjustment
This plane is of great quality for the price you're investing. The overall construction of the tool is decent and smooth. First, you need to flatten the sole and sides of this plane. Likewise, you need to hone the blade so that it will be sharper.
There are several things to prepare for this plane to be extra great but worth it.
3. Grizzly H7566 14” Block Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Reasonable price | • Chip breaker must be modified |
• Sturdy construction | • Lever lockdown is not a clip but a screw |
• Smooth external finish | ? |
• Smooth wooden handle | ? |
Smooth Flat Sole
This plane is more of a No. 5-1/2 Jack Plane which is useful for planning out several kinds of wood in a shorter span of time. The whole construction is a smooth finish and durable. The wooden handle lets you feel the retro vibe while smoothing out wood. You just need to hone the blade once in a while to make a sharp shaving.
In addition, you need to upgrade or modify its iron and chip breaker.
4. Stanley 12-139 Bailey No.60-1/2 Low Angle Block Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Accurate smoothing surfaces | • You need to lightly sand the sole of the plane |
• Smooth depth cut adjustment | ? |
• Flat base and strong casing | ? |
Best for Accuracy
This plane has a fairly flat sole and the cutter is sharp. You can sand the sole a bit using a 400-3000 grit sandpaper. Its base and side are flat and it smoothly shaves wood surfaces. Likewise, the blade's bedding has a larger mating surface than the Veritas. The tool’s body is made from grey cast iron and sturdy enough for middle to heavy works.
Note: You need to sand the sole a bit with 400-3000 grit sandpaper.
5. Stanley 12-220 Block Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Ideal for cross-grain planing | • You need to oil the adjustments before using |
• Flat base | ? |
• Reasonable price | ? |
• Fully adjustable cutter for depth and alignment | ? |
For a great deal of a price, this plane comes with decent quality and smoothing performance. There is very little preparation before using this block plane. It performed neatly when chamfering some edges. To further enhance its performance, you can do some preparations for this tool. For instance, hone the blade before using. Second, and the sole with a 60 grit sandpaper for a few minutes. Overall, this comes with decent quality for a reasonable price.
Note: You need to oil the depth cut adjustment of the plane.
6. Woodstock D3750 Bull Nose Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Compact size and lightweight | • You can replace the existing blade with other expensive types |
• Smooth exterior casing | ? |
• Durable construction | ? |
• Low angle plane | ? |
Amazon's Choice
You would love the sleek and professional design of this little block plane. Despite being little, it has a decent performance when smoothing cabinet edges, stiles, shelves, and wood edges. Its compact size and lightweight makes it easy to maneuver. Great plane for DIY and little works.
In addition, you can find better blades, one that stays sharp longer and more durable.
7. WoodRiver Low Angle Block Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Knuckle cap design which gives comfortable usage | • Those little preparations before using the plane |
• Improved bedding material | ? |
• Smooth depth adjustment | ? |
?Knuckle Cap Design
Setting up this plane is not that easy but manageable. You need to flatten the sole slightly. Hone the blade for a few minutes before using. Despite all these preparations, it does not undermine the decent quality of this block plane.
Else, those little preparations which are constant to almost all types of planes.
8. EnPoint Mini Hand Block Plane ½” Cutter
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• High-quality steel blade | • Not suitable for medium to heavy works |
• Strong base | ? |
• Compact design | ? |
• Easy maneuver | ? |
• Easy depth cut adjustment | ? |
This plane is pretty much compact, small size, and very easy to control. This is ideal when smoothing out little to medium edges. It is comfortable to use, no worry with hand fatigue. Despite its small size, you can never undermine its blade and durability.
9. Tarvol Wood Bench Block Plane 2” Cutter
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Affordable price | • Small size handle |
• Well-polished body | ? |
• Durable steel construction | ? |
• A fully adjustable cutter blade | ? |
The overall construction is durable and made from quality decent steel. The base is sturdy though it needs slight flattening. The blade also needs to be sharpened for a few minutes before usage. After all the preparations, you can use it with ease. The depth cut adjustment works pretty fine and hassle-free, the same thing when removing the blade.
The only thing we don't like: The handle is a slightly small size.
10. Hakubi Japanese Mini Wood Block Plane
Features:
pros | cons |
|---|---|
• Very affordable price | • No modern features like the other units |
• Decent quality and simple design | ? |
• Easy blade replacement and sharpening | ? |
The Oakwood material of this block plane lets you feel the full link for nature and antiquity. The blade is surprisingly sharp with little honing for a few minutes. The overall construction of the plane is simple but elegance can be felt once you get to touch and use it. Moreover, it is very easy to push and replacing the blade is quick and simple.
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