Smoothing Planes

The smoothing plane is typically the last plane used on a surface, taking the finest of shavings to leave a finish that can rival a scraper or sandpaper. Its short sole allows it to follow slight inconsistencies rather than bridge them, picking up any remaining low spots to leave a flawless, even surface ready to receive finish.

We stock smoothing planes from Clifton, individually machined and hand finished in Britain, and Quangsheng, whose bedrock pattern castings give full contact between body and frog so the mouth can be adjusted from the rear without removing the iron.

Within the range you will find:

• No.3 smoothing planes, lighter and slightly narrower, a good choice for smaller workpieces or smaller hands
• No.4 smoothing planes, the most popular size, set up carefully and rarely used for anything else
• No.4½ smoothing planes, wider and heavier, covering more ground per pass with the same planted feel as an infill plane

Given the importance of the job, a smoothing plane deserves its own dedicated setup: a cutting iron kept extremely sharp with an almost imperceptible camber, and the mouth set as fine as the timber allows. Every plane comes with our lifetime guarantee and the same honest advice we are known for. If you are choosing between the No.3, 4 or 4½, get in touch and we will help you find the right fit for your hands and your work.