Handyman Planes

About Handyman Planes

Handyman planes represent an excellent entry point into the world of traditional woodworking, offering reliable performance at an accessible price point. These versatile hand planes are designed to tackle a wide range of planing tasks, from smoothing rough timber to fine-tuning joints and removing material with precision. The handyman range bridges the gap between premium collector-grade planes and basic DIY models, providing tradespeople and enthusiasts with dependable tools that deliver consistent results without breaking the bank.

The Stanley Handyman range has long been recognised for offering solid construction and practical functionality, making these planes ideal for carpenters, joiners, and woodworkers who need effective tools for everyday workshop tasks. Whether you're fitting doors, smoothing boards, or preparing timber for finishing, a handyman jack plane provides the control and accuracy needed for professional results. These planes feature adjustable blades, comfortable handles, and robust cast iron bodies that provide the necessary weight and stability for smooth, even cuts.

For those new to hand planes or looking to expand their toolkit without significant investment, handyman planes offer an excellent balance of quality and value. They're particularly well-suited to site work, restoration projects, and general carpentry tasks where you need a reliable tool that can withstand the rigours of daily use whilst still delivering the precision that quality woodworking demands.

Jargon Buster

Jack Plane (No. 5)

A medium-length bench plane typically measuring around 355mm, designed as an all-purpose tool for both rough stock removal and finer smoothing work. The jack plane is often considered the most versatile plane in any workshop.

Frog

The angled metal component inside a plane that supports the blade and allows for adjustment of the mouth opening. Proper frog adjustment is crucial for achieving optimal cutting performance.

Mouth

The opening in the sole of the plane through which the blade protrudes. A narrow mouth provides better support for the wood fibres, reducing tearout, whilst a wider mouth allows for heavier cuts and easier chip clearance.

Sole

The flat bottom surface of the plane that glides across the workpiece. A flat, smooth sole is essential for accurate planing and should be kept free from rust and damage.

Cap Iron (Chipbreaker)

A curved metal plate fitted over the plane blade that helps control shavings and reduces tearout by breaking chips before they can split the grain ahead of the cutting edge.

Lateral Adjustment Lever

A lever mechanism that allows you to adjust the blade side-to-side, ensuring an even cut across the full width of the plane.

Who Uses Handyman Planes?

• Carpenters and joiners – for door hanging, window fitting, and general carpentry tasks on site and in the workshop
• Cabinet makers – preparing timber, fitting joints, and achieving smooth surfaces on furniture projects
• Restoration specialists – working on period properties where traditional hand tool techniques are essential
• General builders – trimming timber framework, fitting architraves, and fine-tuning wooden components
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects, furniture restoration, and learning traditional woodworking skills
• Woodworking hobbyists – those developing hand tool skills or building their first workshop toolkit
• Set builders and prop makers – theatre and film professionals requiring versatile tools for quick modifications
• Boat builders – shaping and fitting wooden components in marine construction and restoration

How to Choose the Right Handyman Planes

When selecting a handyman plane, the jack plane (No. 5) is often the best starting point, as its medium length makes it suitable for the widest range of tasks. This size offers enough length for straightening edges and flattening surfaces, whilst remaining manageable for finer work and easier to control than larger jointer planes.

Consider the condition and adjustability of key components. The blade should be sharp or easily sharpenable, with sufficient thickness to resist chatter during use. Check that the adjustment mechanisms operate smoothly – both the depth adjustment wheel and lateral adjustment lever should move freely without excessive play. The frog should be securely mounted and adjustable to allow you to set the mouth opening appropriately for different tasks.

Examine the sole carefully, as flatness is crucial for accurate planing. Whilst minor irregularities can be corrected by flattening on abrasive paper, significant hollows or twists will compromise performance. The sole should also be free from significant rust, pitting, or damage. Weight is actually beneficial in a hand plane, as the mass helps maintain momentum during the cut, so don't be put off by a plane that feels substantial.

Handle comfort matters, especially for extended use. The tote (rear handle) should feel comfortable in your hand, and the front knob should provide secure grip. Check for any cracks or damage to these components. For professionals who'll use the plane daily, these ergonomic considerations become increasingly important for reducing fatigue and maintaining control.

Brand heritage is worth considering. Stanley's Handyman range has a proven track record for reliability and parts availability. Whilst they may not have the premium features of more expensive planes, they're designed to perform essential planing tasks effectively with proper setup and maintenance. For those on a budget or just starting out, they represent sound value without compromising on fundamental functionality.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement blades – spare or upgraded plane irons for maintaining sharp cutting edges
• Sharpening stones – oil stones, water stones, or diamond plates for blade maintenance
• Honing guides – tools to help maintain consistent blade angles during sharpening
• Plane blade lubricants – wax or oil to reduce friction and improve cutting performance
• Engineers' squares – for checking blade alignment and ensuring square cuts
• Workshop bench and vice – essential for securing workpieces whilst planing
• Bench hooks – simple jigs for supporting work during planing operations
• Marking gauges – for laying out work that will be planed to dimension
• Tool storage solutions – tool chests or hanging racks to protect planes from damage

Safety Information

Whilst hand planes are generally safer than power tools, proper handling and maintenance are essential. Always keep blades sharp – a dull blade requires excessive force and is more likely to slip, potentially causing injury. When adjusting or cleaning your plane, handle the blade carefully and consider using a cloth or glove to protect your fingers from the sharp cutting edge.

Ensure your workpiece is properly secured before planing. Unsecured timber can shift unexpectedly, causing loss of control. Always plane away from your body, and keep your free hand behind the blade to avoid accidental contact. When setting down a plane, retract the blade or lay it on its side to protect both the cutting edge and your work surface.

Maintain good workshop housekeeping by clearing shavings regularly, as accumulated shavings can create slip hazards. When sharpening blades, follow proper technique to avoid injury and ensure adequate ventilation if using oil-based lubricants. Store planes in a dry environment to prevent rust, and always keep them out of reach of children who may not understand the hazards associated with sharp tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a handyman plane and a premium plane?

Handyman planes offer solid functionality at a more accessible price point. Whilst premium planes may feature finer castings, more precise machining, and exotic materials, handyman planes provide the essential features needed for effective planing. With proper setup and maintenance, a handyman plane will handle most workshop tasks competently. The main differences lie in the refinement of adjustments and the quality of materials, but not in the fundamental capability to plane wood accurately.

Do I need to tune a new handyman plane before use?

Most handyman planes benefit from some initial setup to achieve optimal performance. This typically involves flattening the sole on abrasive paper, sharpening the blade to a keen edge, and adjusting the frog position to set an appropriate mouth opening. These procedures aren't difficult and are well-documented in woodworking resources. Spending an hour on initial tuning will significantly improve the plane's performance and your satisfaction with the tool.

Can handyman planes handle hardwoods as well as softwoods?

Yes, properly set up handyman planes can work both hardwoods and softwoods effectively. The key is ensuring the blade is sharp and set to an appropriate depth of cut. For hardwoods, you'll typically want a finer cut with the blade protruding minimally and the mouth set narrow to support the fibres. Take lighter passes and keep the blade sharp, and your handyman plane will handle oak, ash, and similar timbers without difficulty.

How often should I sharpen my plane blade?

Sharpening frequency depends on usage and the materials being planed. For regular workshop use, you might touch up the blade every few hours of planing, with a full sharpening session needed after several touch-ups. Signs that sharpening is needed include increased resistance, tearout on previously smooth cuts, or shiny spots on the cutting edge. Developing a regular sharpening routine ensures consistent performance and actually makes planing easier and more enjoyable.

What's the best size handyman plane to start with?

A No. 5 jack plane is widely considered the best first plane for most woodworkers. Its 355mm length provides versatility for both stock preparation and finer work, making it genuinely useful across a wide range of tasks. If you can only own one bench plane, the jack plane is the sensible choice. As your skills and needs develop, you might add a smaller smoothing plane for final finishing or a longer jointer plane for straightening longer edges, but the jack plane remains the workshop workhorse.