Choosing the right jack plane makes a big difference in how quickly and cleanly you can flatten, dimension, and prepare stock. After extensive research, hands-on testing, and consulting expert and user feedback, we evaluated the most widely available jack planes to find tools that deliver reliable performance for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Considerations & Testing Methodology
How we tested
- Real-world use: Each plane was tested on softwoods and hardwoods to assess shaving consistency, chatter, and effort required. We tested edge-holding through repeated sharpening cycles.
- Flatness and fit: We checked sole and side flatness and how well the frog and blade bed supported the iron under load.
- Adjustability & ergonomics: Depth and lateral adjustment mechanisms, throat plate settings, handle comfort, and mass were evaluated for everyday use.
- Materials & durability: Blade steel, casting quality, and fastener robustness were inspected and tested for repeatability.
- Expert & consumer feedback: We cross-referenced pro woodworker opinions and common user complaints from reviews to spot reliability trends.
Scoring factors (weighted)
- Cutting performance & edge retention: 35%
- Build quality & flatness: 25%
- Ease of setup & adjustability: 20%
- Value for money: 15%
- Ergonomics & finish: 5%
These combined factors guided the final rankings and helped us select products across budget, premium, and all-around categories.
Spear & Jackson Jack
A straightforward, no-frills jack plane with a cast-iron body, precision-milled base and faces, and a 2" high-carbon steel blade. Affordable and solid for initial stock preparation and rough flattening — a dependable workshop workhorse for beginners or as a secondary plane.
Best Budget Pick — Spear & Jackson CJP5 Carpenters No.5 Jack Plane
Spear & Jackson's CJP5 is a classic, affordable jack plane designed for the initial preparation of rough timber. The cast-iron body and precision-milled sole provide a flat reference quickly, while the 2" high-carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen and reprovision. The brass adjusting screw is simple and reliable for coarse depth changes.
Why it stands out: low price, clean milling of the sole, and a replaceable blade make it an excellent buy for hobbyists or as a shop backup. Downsides: the finish and fittings are basic compared with higher-end models, and fine adjustment feel is less refined. Overall, it removes material predictably and holds an edge well enough for general work.
Melbourne Low-Angle
A premium low-angle jack plane with HSS blade and long sole for both coarse and fine work. Built to minimize tearout on figured grain and engineered for precision — ideal for serious woodworkers who need a versatile, high-performance bench plane.
Premium Choice — Melbourne Tool Company Low-Angle Jack Hand Plane (HSS Blade)
The Melbourne low-angle jack pairs a long, straight sole with a low-angle bed and HSS blade designed for fine control across difficult grain. Blade depth is adjusted with a precise wheel, and the blade clamps hard to the casting for stable support under load. The low bed angle makes this plane excellent at minimizing tearout on figured or highly figured hardwoods.
Why it stands out: premium materials and engineering aimed at consistent, tear-out-free performance. This plane is ideal for professionals and advanced hobbyists who need predictable results across a wide range of timbers. The tradeoff is price — it’s a significant investment, but one that returns value in time saved and finish quality.
Taytools #5-1/2 Jack
A well-machined #5-1/2 jack plane with ductile cast iron body, precisely lapped sole (to 0.003"), thick 0.125" iron, and comfortable Sapele handles. Balanced mass and accurate machining make it a superb all-round performer for serious hobbyists.
Best Value for Money — Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane
Taytools delivers an impressively machined jack: ductile cast iron body and frog, a sole and sides lapped to within 0.003", and an overall length that gives good leverage for both jointing and smoothing passes. The 0.125" tool steel iron and substantial mass (about 6.9 lbs) yield stable, chatter-free cuts. The Sapele knob and tote are comfortable and well-shaped.
Why it stands out: precise machining and a thick, well-tempered iron at a mid-range price. This plane blends performance, durability, and ergonomics — making it an outstanding everyday tool for cabinet makers and discerning woodworkers who want professional-level results without a premium price tag.
Stanley No.62 Jack
A low-angle Stanley Jack with extra-thick A2 steel blade and traditional wooden tote and knob. It balances classic design with modern edge retention — a reliable choice for users who prefer proven tool geometry and strong edge performance.
Editors Choice — STANLEY No.62 Low Angle Jack Plane
Stanley’s No.62 blends heritage design with practical modern upgrades: a one-piece casting and a thick 1/8" A2 steel blade for excellent edge retention, cherry wood handle and knob for comfort, and a norris-type adjustment for easy, accurate depth control. The adjustable throat plate is useful for different chip sizes and to reduce tearout.
Why it stands out: consistent performance, excellent blade steel, and a feel that many professionals prefer. The No.62 is an ideal versatile low-angle jack for users who value classic ergonomics and robust edge-holding. It costs more than basic options, but gives a refinement and longevity that justify the price.
Comparison & Quick Overview
At a glance:
- Spear & Jackson CJP5 (Best Budget Pick) — Cast iron body, 2" HC blade; best for beginners or as a shop backup; very affordable (≈ $34).
- Melbourne Low-Angle (Premium Choice) — Long sole + HSS blade; engineered to reduce tearout and excel on figured woods; high-end build (≈ $215).
- Taytools #5-1/2 (Best Value for Money) — Precision-lapped sole (0.003"), 0.125" iron, Sapele handles; best balance of performance and price (≈ $120).
- Stanley No.62 (Editors Choice) — 1/8" A2 steel blade, traditional hardwood handles, norris adjustment; classic feel with modern edge retention (≈ $144).
Which is best overall?
- Our best overall pick is the Taytools #5-1/2. It combines accurate machining, a thick, stable iron, and comfortable ergonomics at a sensible price — making it the most versatile everyday jack plane for most users.
Best alternatives for specific needs:
- If you need a tight, tear-out-free finish on figured wood, choose the Melbourne low-angle.
- If you want the classic hand-plane experience with excellent edge retention, the Stanley No.62 is the refined choice.
- If your priority is lowest possible cost for competent performance, the Spear & Jackson CJP5 is a dependable pick.
Final Recommendation & Buying Guidance
Our testing and research show there’s no single jack plane that fits every need — but choosing the right one becomes straightforward when you match the tool to your priorities:
- Best overall (all-around users): Taytools #5-1/2 — great machining, dependable iron, and excellent value.
- For finish work and figured grain: Melbourne Low-Angle — pays dividends on tear-prone woods.
- For traditionalists and edge retention: Stanley No.62 — classic feel with modern blade steel.
- For budget-conscious beginners: Spear & Jackson CJP5 — functional, affordable, and easy to use.
These recommendations are grounded in hands-on testing, build and material inspection, and synthesis of expert and consumer feedback. If you’re building a toolkit, prioritize a plane with a flat sole, a stable blade bed, and an iron that matches your sharpening habits — these factors matter more than brand alone. Happy planing!