Best Smoothing Planes of 2026

"I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent value and performance of this bench plane. The sole is flat, and the blade came sharp and ready to use. While the handles are on the smaller side and made of synthetic rather than wood, the plane offers a very high performance-to-price ratio. It's not a premium brand, but for the price, it's strongly recommended for weekend woodworkers."

"When I got this plane, I was impressed with the secure packaging and solid build quality. The blade easily sliced through wood, and the adjustment mechanism was intuitive. For less than $20, I feel like I got a tool that compares well to models costing much more. This is a great addition to my shop and I highly recommend it for the price."

"I’ve used this plane for several projects and found it sturdy and comfortable to use, especially for jobs like leveling studs. While the adjustment wheels could be tighter and it took a bit to get the blade set just right, once set up, it worked great. It’s a convenient size and has become a reliable tool for my DIY work."

"I appreciate how well-built and responsive this chamfer plane is. The safety design makes it easy for my young kids to use without worrying about accidental cuts, and it's bright orange so it's almost impossible to lose in the shop. Out of the box, the blades are reasonably sharp, and the tool is comfortable to use for both push and pull operations. The on-board blade storage is a handy feature, and I find myself reaching for this tool often."

"For me, this tool is a huge time-saver, eliminating the need to set up a router for most basic edge jobs. With all the blade options included, it’s proven to be a versatile addition to my workshop. I’m surprised I managed for so long without something this useful."

"The overall build and design are impressive, with a lightweight yet durable aluminum body and multiple cutter heads for versatility. I found the blade changes straightforward and the depth adjustment knob responsive. While it may need a bit of tuning for optimal results, especially on harder woods, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting professional-looking edges in their woodworking projects."

"As a seasoned woodworker, I was impressed by the Jorgensen plane’s solid build and sharp blade right out of the box. The sole was flat, and the adjustments were smooth and precise. It’s a tremendous value compared to pricier brands, and I’d recommend it to anyone from beginners to professionals."

"After using other Jorgensen tools, I decided to try their hand plane. It arrived flawless and well packaged, with a perfectly flat base and a super sharp blade. With just a few adjustments, I was able to take ultra-thin shavings in minutes. This is a must-have for new woodworkers."

"For the price, this plane is as good as my high-end models and needed no more tuning than those. Blade quality is great, and the body was square and flat. I gave it five stars for the exceptional value and performance at this price point."

"I was pleasantly surprised by how well this hand plane performed for the price. After spending about an hour and fifteen minutes on setup—flattening the sole, sharpening the blade, and adjusting the chip breaker—I was able to achieve results comparable to much more expensive planes. The surface finish on maple was glass-smooth, and I genuinely think it's a bargain. My only minor gripe is some backlash in the depth adjustment, but for an affordable plane, it's nothing I can't manage."

"I’ve worked with several hand planes, and for the cost, this one is a steal—especially since No. 3 sizes are hard to find. After honing the blade, it performed well and felt solid in use. If you’re considering getting started with hand planes, this is a great place to begin."

"Out of the box, I’ll admit the plane needed a fair bit of work—the sole wasn’t quite flat, the chip breaker needed fitting, and paint buildup got in the way of adjustments. However, after addressing these issues, it works fine. I think a beginner might struggle without experience, but once properly set up, it’s a good tool for the cost."

"When I first tried this tool, I was disappointed by the dullness of the cutters and the performance on hardwood and plywood. However, after the company sent me a replacement, I noticed a significant improvement in cutting quality and reduced chatter. I'm now much happier with its performance and especially appreciate the company's willingness to address my concerns."

"For me, the simplicity and speed of this tool really stand out. It makes quick work of rounding over edges, saving me time compared to setting up a router. The tool is also safer and easier for small parts, and any small ridges or lines it leaves are quick to sand out. Overall, I'm very satisfied considering the value for the price."

"I loved the idea of this product and found it straightforward to operate. Unfortunately, I did experience some scratches on hardwood and trouble with the hex screws, which made setup a bit challenging. Still, I appreciate the concept and hope future versions will address these small issues."

"I bought this plane mainly to see what kind of quality I'd get for such a low price, and also to test how much work it would need to match my Stanley No. 4. The fit and finish surprised me—the components looked good, and after following a standard restoration routine, it worked just as well as my more expensive plane. The manual is very beginner-friendly, and I now recommend it to anyone looking for a solid first hand plane."

"As a newcomer to woodworking, I was searching for an affordable plane to refurbish. This one exceeded my expectations—it feels better in the hand, looks nicer, and is easier to adjust than others in its price range. After a bit of setup and following some restoration advice, I was able to dial it in for smooth, clean cuts. If you want a budget-friendly plane that works well, this is the one to get."

"While every plane usually needs some tuning, this one required a bit more effort than most. The handles were loose and the blade grind was rough, so it took me a few hours to get it in top shape. Once I finished the adjustments and honing, it performed really well on harder woods. For the price, if you don't mind a little work, it's a worthwhile addition to your toolbox."

"I used this tool to fix a wood door that was sticking, and it worked perfectly—the problem area was shaved down smoothly and you can't even tell there was an issue. Highly effective for door adjustments."

"For the price, this tool is totally worth it. While there were a few cosmetic imperfections, like a slightly rusted blade and some unfinished plastic bits, these were easy for me to fix. It’s lightweight and the bottom is nice and flat, which helps. Overall, it does its job well."

"The tool arrived very well packaged and seems to be exactly what I needed. I haven't used it yet, but it’s the perfect size and a good value. I just wish it came with blade adjustment info, but I’ll look it up online."

"I found this tool to be small and easy to handle, which was perfect for my needs."

"For the price, it's good quality and quick to set up. After using it for a while, I also noticed it's simple to maintain."

"Although it's not a high-end brand, it works well enough for now given my budget constraints."

"I was impressed by the solid build quality and the way this router plane handles hinge mortises and dados. While it can't replace a powered router, it really shines for its intended tasks."

"Setting up the router plane for the first time was straightforward. Everything lined up well, and the blade only needed a quick sharpening. Very pleased, especially at this price point."

"Out of the box, the blade was extremely sharp and the fine adjustments allow for precise work. My dados and tenons have never looked flatter or more consistent."

"I spent some time getting everything set up, but once I did, these tools worked well for making bows and handles. The extra blades are a nice bonus. They aren’t fancy, but for the cost, they’re practical and do the job. I’d recommend them to any beginner or hobbyist on a budget."

"I didn’t expect premium quality, but I was actually quite happy with the set. The blades were sharp, and the small block plane was surprisingly easy to use—perfect for light work like knocking corners off table legs. For what I paid, this set is more than adequate."

"After some adjustments, these planes worked well on soft wood. The little travel plane is cute, but the blade wouldn’t stay put for long. Still, this set is great for testing if you want to upgrade later, and for the price, it’s a solid deal."