Best Jack Planes of 2026
Jack planes sit at the center of a hand-tool bench setup, doing the heavy lifting of rough stock removal and initial flattening before a smoother finishes the surface. Choosing the right one depends on body material, plane number (size), iron angle, and how much peer validation you want before committing. This ranking covers all eight jack-plane options that met our quality threshold, ordered by a combination of review count, buyer demand, and rating. The Stanley 1-12-137 leads on community validation with 772 verified reviews and a 4.6-star average. The JORGENSEN No.5 is the only model here with documented recent purchase activity, showing 50 buyers in the last month. At the top of the rating scale, the E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 holds 4.8 stars. Prices run from $32.99 (EXXO No.4) to $301.98 (Woodriver #62 Low Angle).
Short answer: The Stanley 1-12-137 is the top overall pick at $216.00, earning a 4.6-star rating across 772 reviews on a cast iron body built for long-term use. For current market confidence at a mid-range price, the JORGENSEN No.5 at $103.99 is the most actively purchased plane in this group with 50 recent buyers. Buyers who want the highest rated option should consider the E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 at $161.35, which holds a 4.8-star average.
Compare every pick
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1 Stanley 1-12-137 Chisel $216.00
- Type
- Chisel
- Material
- Cast Iron
- Weight
- 2.86 Kilograms
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2 STANLEY 12-137 Chisel $210.41
- Type
- Chisel
- Material
- Ductile cast iron
- Weight
- 6.03 Pounds
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3 E.C. Emmerich Jack Plane with 48mm Iron Blade: No.103-S.48 $161.35
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- Chisel
- Material
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- Weight
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4 Woodriver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane $301.98
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- Chisel
- Material
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- Weight
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5 Groz 39702 JP/5 Jack Plane No. 5 with 50 mm $49.81
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- Chisel
- Material
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- Weight
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6 JORGENSEN No.5 Wood Planer, Hand Planer for Woodworking, Jack Plane $103.99
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- Chisel
- Material
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- Weight
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7 EXXO | No.4 Jack Bench Hand Plane | 9 Inch $32.99
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- Chisel
- Material
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- Weight
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8 Shop D2674 Chisel $76.49
- Type
- Chisel
- Material
- Cast Iron
- Weight
- 2.37 Kilograms
Best Jack Planes of 2026, ranked
- Material Cast Iron
- Weight 2.86 Kilograms
The Stanley 1-12-137 is the most reviewed jack plane in this lineup at 772 verified reviews and a 4.6-star average, priced at $216.00. It is built from cast iron, weighing 2.86 kilograms, providing the mass needed for smooth, chatter-free passes on rough lumber. That combination of sustained community confidence and solid cast iron construction places it at the top of this ranking.
Best for: Woodworkers who want the most community-validated jack plane in this category
Pros
- Highest review count in the group (772), indicating long-term buyer confidence
- Cast iron construction at 2.86 kg provides stable, chatter-resistant passes
- 4.6-star rating across a large verified sample
Cons
- At $216.00, a significant investment for occasional users
- Published specs are limited to material and weight; blade width is not listed
Bottom line: The Stanley 1-12-137 earns its top ranking through sheer volume of verified buyer approval and cast iron durability, with 4.6 stars from 772 reviews.
Check price on Amazon Read the full review →
- Material Ductile cast iron
- Weight 6.03 Pounds
- Dimensions 15.8"L x 6.7"W x 3"H
The STANLEY 12-137 pairs a ductile cast iron body with 458 reviews and a 4.6-star rating at $210.41, a near match to the top pick in both construction and buyer score. Its listed dimensions of 15.8 inches long by 6.7 inches wide by 3 inches high and a published weight of 6.03 pounds make it one of the few planes here with documented physical specs beyond material alone. Buyers who want strong community validation at just under the lead model's price will find this a very close alternative.
Best for: Buyers who want published physical dimensions and near-identical quality to the top-ranked Stanley at a slight discount
Pros
- Ductile cast iron body with published dimensions (15.8 inches L x 6.7 inches W x 3 inches H)
- 6.03 lb weight documented, giving accurate weight expectations before purchase
- 4.6-star rating from 458 reviews, well above the minimum threshold
- Marginally lower price than the 1-12-137 at $210.41
Cons
- Blade width is not published in the listing
- Price difference vs. the 1-12-137 is minimal at $5.59, so choice comes down to preference
Bottom line: The STANLEY 12-137 matches the top pick on rating and material while adding documented size specs, making it a credible alternative for buyers who prefer confirmed measurements.
Check price on Amazon Read the full review →
The E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 holds the highest rating in this group at 4.8 stars from 40 reviews, priced at $161.35. It features a 48mm iron blade, the only plane here with that specific blade width published in the listing. European-made planes in this tradition tend to arrive well set up with carefully fitted components, which likely contributes to the strong owner satisfaction reflected in the rating.
Best for: Woodworkers who prioritize the highest-rated tool in the category with a documented blade width
Pros
- 4.8-star rating, the highest in this category
- 48mm iron blade width is documented in the listing
- Priced below both Stanley models while carrying a higher rating
Cons
- Only 40 reviews, a smaller sample size than the top two picks
- No body dimensions, weight, or sole material published in the listing
Bottom line: The E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 is the highest-rated jack plane in this group, and its 48mm iron and $161.35 price make it a compelling mid-range choice for buyers who want quality over maximum review volume.
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The Woodriver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane is the only purpose-built low-angle design in this lineup at $301.98, rated 4.1 stars from 24 reviews. A low-angle configuration lowers the effective cutting angle at the iron, producing cleaner results on end grain and difficult figured or reversing wood. At the highest price in this group, it targets woodworkers who regularly encounter the specific challenges where low-angle geometry provides a measurable advantage.
Best for: Woodworkers who regularly work end grain or interlocked, reversing, or figured grain stock
Pros
- Only low-angle jack plane in this group, suited to end-grain and figured wood
- 4.1 stars from 24 reviews reflects positive owner sentiment for a specialized tool
- Dedicated low-angle geometry that standard-angle planes cannot replicate
Cons
- At $301.98, the highest price in the group by a significant margin
- Only 24 reviews, providing a limited validation sample
- No published specs on body material, weight, or blade width in the listing
Bottom line: The Woodriver #62 justifies its $301.98 price only if you need low-angle geometry; for standard face-grain rough work, a less expensive option in this group is more practical.
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The Groz 39702 JP/5 Jack Plane No.5 offers a traditional No.5 form with a 50mm iron at $49.81, rated 4.0 stars from 13 reviews. At this price, it is the least expensive named-brand No.5 in the group and the most accessible entry to jack plane ownership for buyers who want the correct tool size without a large upfront investment. The 50mm iron width is the one spec published in the listing.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need a No.5 size jack plane and are willing to accept limited published specs
Pros
- Lowest price for a No.5 jack plane in this group at $49.81
- Traditional No.5 size with 50mm iron blade documented
- 4.0-star rating holds the category quality threshold
- Groz is a recognized hand-tool brand
Cons
- Only 13 reviews, the smallest sample size in this group
- No published specs for body material, weight, or body dimensions
Bottom line: The Groz 39702 JP/5 at $49.81 is the most affordable named No.5 jack plane here, but the limited review sample means buyers should weigh the low price against the lower validation.
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#6
Best Active Seller
JORGENSEN No.5 Wood Planer, Hand Planer for Woodworking, Jack Plane
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The JORGENSEN No.5 Wood Planer is the only jack plane in this lineup with documented recent purchase activity, showing 50 buyers in the last month at $103.99 and a 4.0-star rating from 41 reviews. That active purchase signal indicates current market confidence that other options in this group, with zero recorded recent purchases, do not show. For buyers who want a No.5-size plane at a mid-range price with proven current demand, the JORGENSEN No.5 is the most market-confirmed choice here.
Best for: Buyers who want a currently popular No.5 jack plane with proven recent sales at a mid-range price
Pros
- 50 purchases in the last month, the only active demand signal in this group
- Mid-range price at $103.99 for a No.5 jack plane
- 41 verified reviews with a 4.0-star average
Cons
- No published specs for body material, weight, blade width, or dimensions
- 4.0 stars is the lowest passing rating in this group alongside the Groz 39702 JP/5
Bottom line: The JORGENSEN No.5 at $103.99 is the most actively purchased jack plane in this group, making it the safest mid-range bet for buyers who follow current market demand.
Check price on Amazon Read the full review →
The EXXO No.4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is the lowest-priced option in this group at $32.99, measuring 9 inches and rated 3.8 stars from 35 reviews. A 9-inch No.4-size plane handles lighter removal passes and smaller workpieces. At the minimum passing rating threshold, it is an entry point for beginners who want to try hand planing without committing a larger budget. Published specs beyond size are not available in the listing.
Best for: Beginners or occasional users who want to try hand planing at the lowest possible entry cost
Pros
- Lowest price in the group at $32.99
- 9-inch length is manageable for smaller stock and lighter tasks
- 35 reviews provides a usable sample for a budget tool
Cons
- 3.8 stars is the minimum rating threshold, offering less quality margin than higher-rated picks
- No published specs for body material, blade width, or weight
- No.4 size is less capable for wide-panel flattening than a No.5
Bottom line: The EXXO No.4 at $32.99 is a low-risk starting point for hand-plane beginners, but its limited specs and minimum rating mean it should be viewed as a learning tool rather than a long-term primary plane.
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- Material Cast Iron
- Weight 2.37 Kilograms
The Shop D2674 is a cast iron bench tool at $76.49, weighing 2.37 kilograms, with 137 reviews making it one of the more reviewed options in this group below $100. Its 3.6-star rating is the lowest in the lineup and falls below the standard 3.8-star quality floor. Buyers considering it should weigh the cast iron construction and lower price against a rating that reflects meaningful dissatisfaction in the review pool.
Best for: Buyers researching the cast iron budget segment who understand the rating trade-off before purchasing
Pros
- Cast iron body with published weight of 2.37 kg
- 137 reviews provides a statistically meaningful sample
- Priced at $76.49, below the mid-range options in this group
Cons
- 3.6-star rating is the lowest in this group and falls below the 3.8-star quality floor
- No published blade width or body dimensions
- Rating signals a meaningful portion of buyers were unsatisfied
Bottom line: The Shop D2674 has more reviews than several higher-ranked tools at $76.49, but its 3.6-star rating is a genuine concern and most buyers would be better served by the JORGENSEN No.5 or EXXO No.4 instead.
Check price on Amazon Read the full review →Buying guide
No.4 vs No.5: Which Size Do You Need?
The two most common jack plane sizes are No.4 (roughly 9 inches) and No.5 (roughly 14 inches). The EXXO No.4 Jack Bench Hand Plane at 9 inches and $32.99 suits smaller stock and lighter removal passes. The JORGENSEN No.5 at $103.99 and the Groz 39702 JP/5 at $49.81 both follow the traditional No.5 length, which gives better reach across wide boards and more momentum for heavy shavings. If you are doing furniture-scale work and flattening panels wider than 6 inches, a No.5 is the more practical choice.
Standard Angle vs Low Angle
Most jack planes in this group use a standard bed angle, which works well for softwoods, flat grain, and general stock removal. The Woodriver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane at $301.98 uses a lower bed angle specifically suited to end-grain work and difficult figured or reversing grain. If your projects regularly involve shooting end grain or planing wild-figured hardwood, the low-angle geometry justifies the price premium. For general rough flattening of straight-grained lumber, a standard-angle plane like the Stanley 1-12-137 or JORGENSEN No.5 is sufficient.
Body Material and Weight
Cast iron is the dominant body material in this lineup. The Stanley 1-12-137 (2.86 kg) and STANLEY 12-137 (6.03 lbs, ductile cast iron) both carry substantial mass, which helps the plane glide through grain without chatter and keeps the sole flat over years of use. The Shop D2674 also lists cast iron at 2.37 kilograms at $76.49. Heavier cast iron planes require more initial setup effort to flatten and sharpen but reward that investment with long-term stability. Budget options like the EXXO No.4 and Groz 39702 JP/5 do not publish body material specs, which makes direct comparison harder.
How Much Should You Spend?
Entry-level planes run $32.99 to $76.49 in this group (EXXO No.4, Groz 39702 JP/5, Shop D2674). Mid-range covers $103.99 to $161.35 (JORGENSEN No.5, E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48). The premium tier is $210 and above (Stanley 1-12-137 at $216.00, STANLEY 12-137 at $210.41, Woodriver #62 at $301.98). Beginners unsure whether hand planing fits their workflow can start with the EXXO No.4 or Groz 39702 JP/5 to learn technique, then move up. Buyers who know they will use a jack plane regularly are better served by a mid-range option like the JORGENSEN No.5, which carries the most market-confirmed current demand.
Reading Review Counts and Ratings Together
A high review count and a high rating together indicate a product that has been widely purchased and widely approved. The Stanley 1-12-137 at 772 reviews and 4.6 stars meets both thresholds well. The E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 at 4.8 stars but only 40 reviews is the highest-rated tool here but with a smaller sample. The Groz 39702 JP/5 at 13 reviews and the Woodriver #62 at 24 reviews have limited samples; their ratings are directionally useful but carry more uncertainty. For maximum confidence, prioritize tools with review counts above 100.
Setting Up a New Jack Plane
Most jack planes arrive needing at least some setup: flattening the sole, honing the blade to a working edge, and adjusting the frog for the correct mouth opening. Budget planes like the Groz 39702 JP/5 and EXXO No.4 typically require more initial work than premium planes like the E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 or Stanley 1-12-137. Owners of all planes in this group report the standard setup process of checking the sole on a reference surface and sharpening the iron on waterstones or oil stones. Budget appropriate time before your first use regardless of price point.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a No.4 when the project calls for a No.5: a 9-inch plane struggles to span wide panels efficiently; match size to your stock width.
- Skipping setup on a new plane and blaming the tool: even the Stanley 1-12-137 and STANLEY 12-137 need the iron honed and the sole checked before first use.
- Choosing by price alone and ignoring published specs: the EXXO No.4 and Groz 39702 JP/5 list limited specs, which makes it harder to evaluate quality before purchase.
- Overlooking the low-angle option when doing consistent end-grain work: a standard-angle plane works well on face grain but the Woodriver #62 Low Angle is meaningfully better for end-grain passes.
- Ignoring review sample size: a 4.8-star rating from 40 reviews (E.C. Emmerich) is strong but less statistically certain than 4.6 stars from 772 reviews (Stanley 1-12-137).
- Assuming a cast iron plane stays flat without maintenance: even heavy cast iron soles can develop slight bellies or hollows over time, so checking the sole periodically is part of keeping the plane accurate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a jack plane used for?
A jack plane is primarily used for rough stock removal and initial flattening of lumber. It is sized between the short smoothing plane and the long jointer, making it effective for taking down high spots across a board before finishing passes. The JORGENSEN No.5 and Groz 39702 JP/5 are both traditional No.5 jack planes built for this general rough-removal role.
What is the difference between a No.4 and a No.5 jack plane?
A No.4 plane is shorter, typically around 9 inches, while a No.5 is longer, typically around 14 inches. The EXXO No.4 Jack Bench Hand Plane is 9 inches and well suited to smaller pieces. A No.5 like the JORGENSEN No.5 or Groz 39702 JP/5 covers more surface per stroke and is better for flattening wide panels. Most woodworkers doing furniture-scale work prefer a No.5 for general rough stock removal.
Is a low-angle jack plane worth the extra cost?
For woodworkers who regularly work end grain or tackle figured hardwood with reversing grain, yes. The Woodriver #62 Low Angle Jack Plane at $301.98 is the only low-angle option in this group, and its lower bed angle produces cleaner cuts in those specific situations. For softwood face-grain work or straight-grained lumber, the added cost is harder to justify over standard-angle planes like the Stanley 1-12-137.
How many reviews should I look for before trusting a rating?
As a general rule, ratings based on fewer than 50 reviews carry more uncertainty. The Woodriver #62 (24 reviews) and Groz 39702 JP/5 (13 reviews) are directionally useful but less statistically certain than the Stanley 1-12-137 (772 reviews) or STANLEY 12-137 (458 reviews). The E.C. Emmerich's 4.8-star rating from 40 reviews is impressive; watch for new reviews that could shift it as the sample grows.
Which jack plane is best for beginners?
The JORGENSEN No.5 at $103.99 is the most actively purchased option in this group (50 bought last month) and represents a reasonable mid-range commitment for a beginner serious about hand-tool woodworking. Buyers on a tighter budget can start with the EXXO No.4 at $32.99, understanding that published specs are limited and some setup will be required before first use.
Do these planes come ready to use out of the box?
Most hand planes, including those in this lineup, benefit from initial setup: flattening the sole and honing the iron to a sharp edge. Premium options like the E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 and Stanley 1-12-137 tend to require less corrective work, but owners across all price points report some sharpening and adjustment before the first productive session.
Final recommendation
For most woodworkers, the Stanley 1-12-137 is the strongest all-around choice at $216.00, combining cast iron construction with 772 reviews and a 4.6-star average. Buyers who want the highest rating in the group should look at the E.C. Emmerich No.103-S.48 at $161.35 and 4.8 stars. The JORGENSEN No.5 at $103.99 is the current market favorite with 50 recent purchases, and the Woodriver #62 Low Angle at $301.98 serves the specific need for end-grain and figured-wood work. For tight budgets, the Groz 39702 JP/5 at $49.81 and the EXXO No.4 at $32.99 offer entry-level access to hand planing without a large upfront commitment.