Hand Planes
If I Had To Choose Just One: 5-1/2 Jack Smoothing Bench Plane
In the shop, as in life, some of the most important tasks are the quiet ones. The gentle refining, the smoothing of rough surfaces, and the final passes that bring a board from workable to beautiful. For anyone who appreciates hand tools and the connection they create with the material, the 5-1/2 jack smoothing plane is one of the most dependable tools on the bench.
Why Choose a 5-1/2 Jack Plane
The jack plane has long been considered the most versatile bench plane in a woodworker’s toolkit. A tool in the 14 to 15 inch range with a wide blade and comfortable heft can serve multiple roles in the shop. It removes material efficiently when needed, it bridges high and low spots while flattening, and when finely tuned it can leave a surface ready for finish with little to no sanding.
A 5-1/2 plane sits in a comfortable middle ground. It provides more authority than a small smoother yet remains easier to guide than a long jointer. For many woodworkers it becomes the plane they reach for first and the one that stays in use the longest during a project.
What Makes Hand Planing Special
Hand planing offers a level of sensitivity that power tools cannot easily replicate. A sharp iron and a well-set mouth allow you to take whisper-thin shavings while feeling the subtle changes in the grain. This control reduces tear-out, especially on figured boards.
A hand-planed surface also carries a clarity and sheen that sanding alone rarely matches. Instead of dust, the tool leaves behind a polished surface that reflects light differently and highlights the wood’s natural character.
Beyond the technical advantages, hand planing is a meditative act. The rhythm of the tool and the curl of each shaving create a sense of craftsmanship that connects you directly to the material.
Taytools 5-1/2 Jack Smoothing Bench Hand Plane
If you are looking to add a capable, reliable jack smoothing plane to your shop, the Taytools 5-1/2 model is an excellent choice. It offers a combination of precision, durability, and thoughtful design that stands out in its price range.
The sole and sides are ground to a high degree of accuracy, giving you a stable and true reference for flattening and smoothing. The blade is a generous 2-3/8 inches wide and hardened for long-lasting edge retention. The weight of the plane, nearly seven pounds, provides steady momentum that helps produce consistent shavings even in harder woods.
The Sapele knob and tote feel warm and comfortable in the hand. The adjustable frog and polished brass hardware give you fine control over the cut, letting you tailor the plane to everything from quick stock removal to delicate smoothing.
For the price and the quality, this model offers tremendous value. You can find it here.
Bonus Tip: Plane Magic Paraffin
To make any hand plane perform better, apply wax to the sole. Reapply after a dozen or so strokes. I wish I had learned this tip sooner. A product link can be found here. It’s cheap and lasts a long time.
