For hundreds of years, carpenters have been relying on manual hand planers to create the perfect finish. There’s no other woodworking tool that can precisely remove layers of wood like a hand planer. The best hand wood planer does not take more effort plus, they’re much cheaper than the electric ones, but they do just the same. Hand planers are among the essential tools of artisans in woodworking, and they are often referred to as the rock stars of hand tools. Below are some of the best hand wood planers you can get around.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANLEY Hand Planer, Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960) | Stanley “Sweetheart” manual planers have gained carpenters’ trust and hearts for a long time. It is one of the best hand wood planers in the market. | ||
| WoodRiver Standard Block Plane with Adjustable Mouth | A hand block planer is one of the best hand wood planers with a clever design and has many uses, making it a must-have item in every woodworking tool collection. | ||
| KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Block Plane | Made Japanese craftsmen, this tool is perfect to finish any surface of wood smooth. It’s also one of the highly-rated and best wood planers in the market. | ||
| Taytools 469607 Jack Smoothing Hand Plane No 5 | At just under 100, this Taytools Jack Smoothing hand plane is of such a high-quality standard and is a favorite in our list of the best hand wood plane. | ||
| Stanley Hand Planer, No. 4 Smoothing | Like the WoodRiver block manual hand plane in this review, the Stanley Hand Planer No. 4 Smoothing is also a versatile and well-crafted tool and has been one of the best hand wood planers over the years. | ||
| WoodRiver No. 1 Bench Hand Plane V3 | The WoodRiver No. 1 hand planer is handy enough to use with just one hand. This makes it the best hand wood planer for those tight spaces where others won’t fit in. | ||
| Grizzly Industrial H7566 – 14″ Smoothing Plane | When you’re finished with the coarse shaving stages and are set to begin your final finishing touches, you won’t regret getting this Grizzly H7566 Smoothing with you. |
A Detailed Review on the 7 Best Hand Wood Planers
STANLEY Hand Planer, Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960)
Stanley “Sweetheart” manual planers have gained carpenters’ trust and hearts for a long time. It is one of the best hand wood planers in the market.
Product Highlights
This model is a low angle jack plane that’s a perfect tool for shooting miters, primary smoothing, and also in working end grain. Its cherry handle and knob do not only look great but offer a remarkably comfortable grip. The Norris type adjustment is also easy to use. The low angle jack planer has a 2” blade, ³/₆” thick. The planer’s length measures 14”. It also features an adjustable throat plate for various types of wood.
The Good
This well-designed tool is solid, with a remarkably machined base. This manufacturer’s reputation in this field is exemplary, and they offer a lifetime guarantee on all hand tools.
The Bad
Some users experienced issues on out of the box defects. Others also pointed out that the blades are not available in some retail stores.
PROs
- Quality materials
- Has mouth plate adjustment
- Extra strength
- Comfortable grip
- Solid design
- Lifetime guarantee
CONs
- Issues on out of the box defects
- Blades are not available in retail stores
WoodRiver Standard Block Plane with Adjustable Mouth
A hand block planer is one of the best hand wood planers with a clever design and has many uses, making it a must-have item in every woodworking tool collection.
Product Highlights
The WoodRiver standard block hand plane is patterned on the tried and tested classic Stanley No 18. A few advances have been made, mostly reinforcing the weak points of the old design. Solid metal is used all throughout, and it utilizes a 1” blade, with a 20-degree bend angle, and a knuckle lever cap style.
The Good
Aside from being affordable, this wood is a high-quality tool with a proven and tested design that users love. It’s also convenient and easy to use. The blade is constructed from high-quality 1” carbon steel while the tool is 2” wide, and 7” long. This is probably WoodRiver’s best value block plane they have ever made for an affordable and quality tool. This is a high-quality tool and super affordable.
The Bad
Some users noted that the lever cap could accidentally be pushed. Plus, this wood planer is a little heavy than the others.
PROs
- It is affordable
- 20-degree bend angle
- Proven design
- High-quality tool
- Solid metal components
CONs
- Lever cap can accidentally pushed
- A little heavy
KAKURI Woodworking Japanese Block Plane
Made Japanese craftsmen, this tool is perfect to finish any surface of wood smooth. It’s also one of the highly-rated and best wood planers in the market.
Product Highlights
This is called a Japanese Wooden Pull Plane Kanna because it is used by pulling rather than pushing. It is also easy to apply force evenly, and reliable and effective straight carpentry work is possible. It can also be used not only by professionals but also for home DIY as well. It’s made of Japanese high-grade Oak wood material with a razor-sharp and durable high carbon steel blade.
The Good
It’s portable and convenient to carry around as the wood planer is handy. It is also ideal for the chamfering corner of the wood as well as doing an angled shave. Plus, the body is heavy-duty and is wear-resistance.
The Bad
Although this product is inexpensive, some users noted that the blade was a little loose and sloppy. Others also complained about the wood cracking after a few use.
PROs
- Reliable and effective
- Made with high-grade Oak wood
- Durable high carbon steel blade
- Portable and convenient
- It is heavy-duty
- It is affordable
CONs
- Loose blade, sloppy
- Wood cracking after a few use
Taytools 469607 Jack Smoothing Hand Plane No. 5
At just under 100, this Taytools Jack Smoothing hand plane is of such a high-quality standard and is a favorite in our list of the best hand wood plane.
Product Highlights
When it comes to quality and craftsmanship, this manual hand planer defies its price. It has a high-quality malleable cast iron for the frog and body and a high precision engineering in the machining of the sole, down to within 0.003”. It measures 14¼” in length and 2” in width. It also features high-quality brass for durable adjustment knobs and a 45-bed angle, with a fixed steel blade.
The Good
As one of the widely used types of planers, it’s clear to understand why this one is so popular. Users like the comfortable grip of the hand-rubbed Sapele knob and tote.
The Bad
According to some users, the lever cap is a little difficult to use, plus others say the blade dulls easily.
PROs
- High precision engineering
- Durable cast iron
- It is affordable
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to use
CONs
- Lever cap can be complicated
- Blade may dull easily
Stanley Hand Planer, No. 4 Smoothing
Like the WoodRiver block manual hand plane in this review, the Stanley Hand Planer No. 4 Smoothing is also a versatile and well-crafted tool and has been one of the best hand wood planers over the years.
Product Highlights
Like the other Stanley model in this roundup, this low angle block planer also has a mouth adjustment for various types of wood, and also comes with patented lateral adjustment with locking feature. The handle is made of cherry wood and the knob is giving you comfort with its solid adjustments to have an easy operation.
The Good
This hand planer is made with high-quality materials, durable A2 steel, and reliable brass adjustment mechanisms. It is a great tool for an affordable price.
The Bad
There are minor quality control issues regarding this wood planer. Plus, the blades are also not readily available among retailers.
PROs
- Quality materials
- Cherry wood handle with solid brass
- Precision machined
- Strong blade
- Mouth adjustment
- It is affordable
CONs
- Minor quality control issues
- Blades not readily available
WoodRiver No. 1 Bench Hand Plane V3
The WoodRiver No. 1 hand planer is handy enough to use with just one hand. This makes it the best hand wood planer for those tight spaces where others won’t fit in.
Product Highlights
For a little hand plane, the level of quality you’re getting is excellent. The hardwearing strength is visible throughout. This is a genuinely superb miniature manual planer from its exquisitely crafted handles to its solid brass adjusters and ductile cast iron used for the frog and body—precision machining for critical components great. It also has the best hardwood for the tote and knob, giving it a beautiful classic look and making it really comfortable to use.
The Good
Its classic design is timeless and has been proven over many years. Unrivaled features and superb engineering determine the WoodRiver No. 1 bench planer as one of the best hand wood planers out there.
The Bad
It’s a little quite expensive than others, and it’s miniature, so the applications may be limited. Some people may just buy it because of its classic good looks.
PROs
- High-quality materials
- Well-crafted handles
- Classic look
- Lightweight and compact
- Precision engineered
CONs
- Quite expensive
- Limited applications
Grizzly Industrial H7566 – 14″ Smoothing Plane
When you’re finished with the coarse shaving stages and are set to begin your final finishing touches, you won’t regret getting this Grizzly H7566 Smoothing with you.
Product Highlights
This 14-inch wood planer sole is as flat as you can get, but it’s also serrated to lessen friction on each pass. It features a smooth rosewood handle and knob, giving it a beautiful look and making it really comfortable to work with. This Grizzly H7566 Smoothing also comes with knurled brass controls and can accommodate two-inch-wide blades.
The Good
This is also a good quality product and has some great features and good engineering. It’s perfect for final finishing your woodwork and is easy and comfortable to use.
The Bad
Some users, however, expressed concerns about the iron and chip-breaker that are disappointing. The iron is surprisingly flat, and the chip-breaker is warped.
PROs
- Less friction
- Smooth handle
- It is comfortable
- Easy to use
- Knurled brass
CONs
- Iron is flat
- Chip-breaker is warped
Conclusion
If you’re a newbie in this woodworking field, finding the best hand wood planer may be time-consuming and overwhelming. But, the idea is about genuine value for money. You may also find other expensive pro-grade hand planers that are professional-grade. However, there are also a lot of affordable options with good quality and great engineering. Thus, this roundup will help you pick the right one that fits your preference. Know more about hand wood planer.