A Review & Comparison of Jorgensen Planes

[@rueben225]

I had a shop teacher in high school a lot like this, not teaching me how to do things, but teaching me why things are done a certain way with examples to back it up, and then letting me figure out how to do it knowing what I should expect at the end. I wasn't very good at woodworking as it turns out, but the lessons translated well into pretty much any-and-everything else. Anyway, thanks for the flashbacks!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

The why is always more interesting (and less forgettable) than the what. Most welcome.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Cmxx1v]

I went to a vocational school 55 years ago. I was also taught why we do things the way we do them. If we know the reason for doing it then we can make adjustments to achieve the same thing

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Mighty_Atheismo]

Engler posts, I click. Simple as that!

[@Vicky_Squad]

100% facts. He needs his own tv show

[@skitzochik]

Ditto

[@skitzochik]

Ditto

[@jimaronson2323]

Ditto

[@plastechfish]

💯

[@Charlielizard]

You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and wisdom as well as your skills with woodworking. Appreciate this fantastic video.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@83HC]

This dude is the Paul Harrell of woodworking and I couldn't be more happy about it.

[@tima9790]

I know nothing about planes. But as soon as this video started, I knew this was the guy I needed to teach me about planes!

[@gnusndn301]

I'm an old retired Carpenter from years ago. I remember learning to use a 60 and 1/2 block plane has those were the days when we scribed all of our 4 x 8 panel in the corners to get away from using corner moldings. That 4 by 8 paneling was used everywhere and it became way overdone. But the use and the value of that plane is still in my shop today on small stuff. Thank you for your videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@th-pl3nx]

I bought two of these Jorgensen block planes last spring. One is sharpened at a standard angle and the other more acute for difficult grain. I leveled the soles and polished all bearing surfaces up to a fine polishing compound along with the same mod you did to the depth adjustment. Mine adjust very easily which I attribute to the fine polishing and leave the best surfaces of any of my block planes.

[@anonymityaddictsanonymous5978]

Thank you for the disclaimer at the beginning

[@spambox1894]

I love your videos and your approach to teaching. Your willingness to share your years of experience is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you for all that you do.

[@timmy111]

I don't normally shop at Lowes but I went there last weekend specifically to pick up these two planes. So far I'm quite pleased.

[@lawrencejackson6113]

This is just good content... no "commercial" ... thank you!

[@feliciapersfull9471]

I like that you have links and that is great the way you have them. I do wish the links for the items in the video were listed directly and not only where you click and redirected with other things. Quicker shopping and easier. Great if you had both.

[@BobBlarneystone]

A No. 4 and a No. 60-1/2 are the essentials, but a L-N 102 apron plane is very handy, and I use a No. 6 for acoustic guitar backs & sides. Ductile iron and 0-1 steel are good choices, too.

[@pleappleappleap]

I hardly ever use block planes, myself. I use three planes most. A Grizzly No.4 smoother that I've tuned up. A Harbor Freight No.4 (that they call a jack plane for some reason) that I put a big camber on and opened the mouth on for use as a scrub plane. And a long wood-soled transitional jointer, about No.7 length. I kinda want a real No.8. If I come into some money, I'd love the Lie Nielsen.

[@BobBlarneystone]

@@pleappleappleap I never really understood what a plane could do until I was given the L-N 102 and a 212. Then I took the time to learn more.

[@brucewelty7684]

Thanks, I prefer Orange. I can see it better amongst the rubble.

[@raydriver7300]

Brilliant as always. Thank you for sharing and have a great weekend with your family, and Bella 🌞

[@mwalloch]

Glad you are making more videos

[@Drevid]

Glad you are back posting. Love these videos. Learn so much from them.

[@toddwilson1230]

Great video as always, the best woodworking channel on you tube.

[@Kebekwoodcraft7375]

Good advice PLANE and simple 😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Appreciated. Now you can show yourself out...;-)

[@Kebekwoodcraft7375]

@@WorkshopCompanion as a French Canadian I am not sure what you mean ? If it’s a saying or an insult wish I doubt.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@Kebekwoodcraft7375 It's a saying we often use in the States when somebody makes a pun, especially when they unnecessarily emphasize the word to make sure we get the humor. It's a reference to be asked to leave the stage when your routine is producing more groans than laughs -- or excusing yourself and leaving the stage for the same reason. Occasionally, I will include a "And now I will show myself out" after posting a pun in these comments, as a way of apologizing and covering for the low humor. When said to the comedian by a member of the audience It's usually meant kindly, a way of saying "I see what you did there and I forgive you for it."

[@Kebekwoodcraft7375]

@@WorkshopCompanion thanks for the info

[@brianhdenver7551]

I have the block plane, it’s was surprisingly capable out of the box with a little sharpening. It did take a decent bit of lapping to get the sole flat, the machining on my wasn’t so lucky. Still works great and the orange color is by biggest gripe, until it makes it easier to spot on my crowded bench.

[@josedomingosteixeira1379]

I made beech handles to replace the plastic handles two of my Stanley hand planes and don't regret it. Love the feeling of beech and they haven't broken like some I have made of rosewood

[@pleappleappleap]

It is more traditional for hammer and axe handles, but I've used hickory for plane handles. I'd bet that ash will work well too.

[@shaunkirby8506]

I’ve used laburnum just because I liked it 😂

[@rogerlove7588]

I’ve been shopping for a used Stanley #4 for months, but have found nothing acceptable for less than a C note. I noticed that Jorgensen came out with this plane recently but hadn’t paid much attention to it until now. Thanks to for your thoughtful review, I just ordered the #4 via your link. A side note: as of today (8/29/24), Amazon has an $18 coupon for this plane, which makes it a real steal (I hope) at just over 50 bucks. Thanks again Mr. Engler!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome and thanks for sharing. If you're so inclined, come back to this thread after you've had the plane long enough to get a feel for it and let us know what you think.

[@F0XD1E]

Good to see there are decent options now. A couple years ago when I was getting my first block plane the cheaper ones were all allegedly garbage. I ended up spending like $200 on a Veritas, which is a nice tool and I don't regret it, but others may not be able to afford that.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Had the same experience. Had to travel to China several years ago to set up an exhibition, and we wanted to take a complete tool kit with us -- something we wouldn't fee bad about leaving there. All the inexpensive planes we tried were worthless. That's why I was so surprised when I ran across the Jorgensens.

[@MightyMiniWorkshop]

I own these planes and I also have old Stanley’s and even two wood river planes, I definitely love them and I will agree that if you want a budget plane then this is the way to go!

[@jerryw5225]

My father and step-father left me a few Stanleys. They didn't know about tuning a plane. I figured it out, now all my Stanleys do very well at their jobs. Thanks for the other bits of tuning.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@robertmceuen3630]

I have many of his old books. They are excellent.

[@عزتدرويش-ك4ض]

From Egypt U r a magnificent professional with magically description

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you, Nick good to see you back.

[@jimaronson2323]

I don't use a plane at all, but still had to watch. Learned some things, too. I always love seeing Bella.

[@rashkavar]

Nice to see a modern hand plane that compares this favourably with the venerable gold standard of hand planes.

[@PerfectionHunter]

Would be fantastic if you could make a video about Orbital Sanders. When to use, when not to, what grits, what speeds for what purpose like removal of paint from wood etc.

[@thehawkc]

Perfect time , thanks. Always great information.

[@gnothisauton2116]

Love the price. The answer to … everything.

[@chagildoi]

Comment for algorithm. But I did buy the two planes using the links on your website. Appreciate all your shared wisdom!

[@gtg-inspections]

I did purchase them and really like them.

[@skippylippy547]

Wonderful video giving a great deal of excellent value! Thank you Nick, your content is much appreciated and enjoyed. 😍

[@williamSmith-fv5hi]

Does price matter at all? Well yes!!!, for most. Great presentation.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@Gazman299]

I bought them both. Jorgensen makes quality clamps, so I'm not surprised that you find their planes comparable to the Stanley's versions. Thanks for the schooling on tuning them up, and I hope that pizza is on the menu for you soon :-) I bought the Jorgensen mini recently simply because it's so cute. One day I'll find a use for it I'm sure. lol

[@denconstutube]

As always, a great video.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic review, Nick! Thanks a bunch!!! 😃 I'm not holding my breath, but I'm going to try to find them here in Brazil! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome and same to you.

[@johnford7847]

As always, worthwhile information. Thank you for sharing.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@stevekelley1179]

You need to try old the little Jorgeson finger plane. It’s nice to have for knocking out the corners on the board. All three are great options for the money once set up.

[@wesandell]

For the cost the Jorgensen planes are great. Yes, they do need some set up to get them working, but outside of Lie Nielsen planes any plane needs some work when first purchased (whether old or new). The handles, while wood, could be at a better angle. But again, we are talking $70 for the no. 4, the fact that it has wood at all is shocking. When you consider the other options in this price range (new Stanley's, Buck Bros, etc.) this plane is miles ahead of them all. I'm convinced that they actually modeled it after the older version 3 Bedrock. This was the last version that had the round sides and before they used the pins to attach the frog like the later bedrocks. The fact that Jorgensen even came out with a newly designed plane that wasn't simply cheap Bailey knock off is to be commended. And the fact they did it for a reasonable price is pretty amazing.

[@bduplanty]

Amazon same day delivered the Jorgensen 60 1/2 as well as the mini block plane... Both came out of the box working and did a decent job. Will tune these up this weekend and put them into service. Thanks for the info and recommendation, these seem like nice entry level cost users.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@delgoldthorpe4005]

Hi Nick, nice to see you back and well. Great review,and nice to see the workshop foreman still taking an interest in your work :P: thanks for the vid

[@JakeRaytheRounder]

you're the best wood shop teacher

[@TheUncleRuckus]

The no.33 hand plane found at Harbor Freight actually makes a really good scrub plane if you're willing to put several hours of work into flattening the sole and resharpening the iron/blade. I put like 4 to 5 hours of work into the one I bought and it's one of my favorite planes now.

[@bobweiram6321]

Scrub planes don't need to be flattened. They're not intended for precision planing.

[@markduggan3451]

They look great.

[@kirstenkendall6479]

I am having difficulty with my no. 4 right now! Interestingly, my issue is advancing the iron. I did not have the same problem you mentioned with the low angle block plane, but something is off with the engagement of the blade on the no. 4.. the lever slips under the blade once it goes so far, no matter how finely I finagle with the screw cap and tension screw. I think it might be my faulty use of the screw cap in setup, but I am still troubleshooting. Regardless, this video gave me even more insight at the perfect time, so thank you for posting!

[@pantango5503]

I just bought the bench plane a month ago. Had some sharpening to do, not much. Stropped it real good and had no problems cutting. The shoe is not 100% square on the left side of the plane, the right side (side I lay down on my shooting board) was more acceptable fortunately. I bought the smaller block plane than you show for chamfering edges and that plane works great

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelnichols7669]

I have the low angle block plane and the even smaller one. They work well, took quite a while to tune them but once I did they work good. I'm a finish carpenter and I mostly use them for getting right to the line on scribes, so not the heaviest user, but they suit me.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

You are the only one i have seen who doesn't hate the Jorgenson planes

[@nickmastro9287]

Thank you for sharing.

[@billm.8220]

Love your knowledge & insight. You’re definitely a TRUE craftsman !! Hard to find these days !!

[@stased7343]

Thanks for a great video! Very informative!

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@skigglystars9525]

I'm like a zombie following the masters voice. Click - buy - click - buy. If it supports you - count me in because you've given me way more knowledge than I could ever hope to repay.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@MatthewHolevinski]

Dude right, he says it can benefit from some intelligent tuning, as if us mere mortals have the kind of infinite wisdom of our instructer, false advertising i say. :) haha

[@noiamhippyman]

Lowe's is about to sell out of these things. I'm glad you reviewed them. I've always been curious about them but already have Stanley sweethearts and can't justify paying anymore money for a plane after those.

[@Kifford]

As an amateur woodworker, I want one of these but a good one tend to cost an arm and both legs these days in canada in a retail store. Im keeping notes for yards sales. :)

[@RobertKeeney]

I'm a big fan of Jorgenson clamps and have been wondering about these planes.

[@billdirlam744]

The Record 04 smoothing plane that was available around the late 1990s looks very similar to the new Jorgensen 04. I own the older version of the Record 04 and it's nearly identical to the Stanley 04 shown in the video. If I didn't already own the Record 04 and the Stanley 60-1/2 planes I'd definitely consider buying the Jorgensen versions. Good condition previously owned bench planes now cost way more than they did when new in the 1980s & 90s so it would appear today that the Jorgensen planes are a very good bargain.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I have an old Record 60-1/2 and a Record No. 7, both made before they sold out to Irwin. Very good tools. And the blue is so much more pleasant than the orange.

[@SoggyBulbasaur]

4:15 I saw some white doggy paws, cute

[@WorkshopCompanion]

There are dog paws all over my videos, if you look. If Bella had thumbs, she'd be making stuff.

[@Technogeek-rc6us]

"Disturbingly Orange." LOL!!!

[@robertbamford8266]

The new Jorgensen is not the old Jorgensen. Glad to hear their (new) planes are good!

[@ctdaniels7049]

By Scandinavian naming conventions, the new Jorgensen is Jorgensenson. :P

[@robertbamford8266]

@@ctdaniels7049 Shouldn’t rule out Jorgensentochter.

[@-justin-4077]

Man I wish I didn’t already have too many hand planes 😂 I bought a whole bucket of old Stanley planes for $100 a while back.

[@pleappleappleap]

I've had good luck with Grizzly hand planes.

[@gigaphonicon]

I have my great grandfather's 60 1/2 and number 5 they are my main work horses along with a vintage 1960s craftsman (made by stanley) number 4 I found second hand at a yardsale.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MG-vo7is]

Nice!

[@amarkhaml]

Excellent info, can you do something about choosing a good chisel???

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Looking into it.

[@amarkhaml]

@@WorkshopCompanion awesome. Thanks

[@riddlewrong]

I will never use a wood plane in my entire life, but ADHD forced me to watch this video instead of doing my homework and I have zero regrets.

[@connorb.4790]

Same. I haven’t worked with wood in well over a decade since my dad stopped but I love watching this man so much

[@makenchips]

It appears you don't like the color too much, and I don't think many of us do, but for the money, these are excellent planes and a great value in today's Marketplace. I own two of the Jorgensen's 6 1/4 inch low angle block plane 70701 alias the 60 1/2. I also own two of the Jorgensen's 3 1/2 in mini wood planes what she did not demonstrate today. Again you'll have to tweak these in they do work out of the box time well spent for a great value plane for the money! The 3 1/2 inch mini is 7.4 Oz and approximately $14 is just as good as a lie Nielsen 101 at 8.oz at $125 + shipping and handling, in performance! For a new shop are you an old shop is a great value for what it is and a little bit of tune-up you have to do is well worth the effort and price saving. What he didn't know though these are made in China but I have to say they're doing a darn good job at the price point! Unfortunately I don't need a number for I have three stanleys but I think if I didn't need one I'd buy this Jorgensen with no interpretations! Columbus Michigan

[@valiany]

Awesome.

[@bobweiram6321]

The large milled frog seat puts them in the Bedrock league.

[@luke6516]

This video reminds me that I hate planing end- grain

[@AdamBechtol]

Thx. (though a bit of me suspects you do do these sort of vids to scratch an itch, more for you than for us :p)

[@andifich1]

😉👍🏻

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@johnfreeman2956]

@9:23 I think it would be nice to have "plane tuning videos for fun" It could be in the same genre as all the restoration videos. We wouldn't need narration or instruction because you've done that already. I'm talking about just a video where people can relax and watch a plane getting tuned. Also, a request: would you kindly put all links in the description? I never get the ones that float in the video, I can only see the ones that are in the description.

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

While we all love hand tools, I recently had my 15 year old circular saw burn up, and was thinking about purchasing another, what brands do you think are worth while looking into and at what price point?

[@christophermcclellan8730]

I’d be curious to know what you think about the “not a cap lever” cap lever… errrrr… screw on the bench plane. Does it hold well?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Does fine.

[@madamsloth]

3:06 exactly! No thank you plastic

[@joeburch6754]

1:39 Has that Doge always been there?

[@Matt083109]

I just saw those in a Lowe's and was wondering if they were alright.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

That’s where I got the planes I showed in the vid.

[@motorcyclelad]

“Beech painted to remind you of beech”😂😂😂😂

[@arisskarpetis]

I was just looking on Amazon FR but they are not there. Are these planes us and Canada only for now? Or are they coming to Europe too?

[@derschlotter5605]

Was there a Star Trek quote hidden there? 😂👌🏼

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

Until they come up against those crazy wood planes the Japanese makes. 😂

[@AdamBechtol]

:p

[@christophermahon1851]

It's obvious that Bella has never had any human contact whatsoever. At least, that's the schtick. It's amazing, to me, that all dogs have taken the same acting class, and that they are all ham actors.Talk about chewing the scenery!

[@douglasboyle6544]

"Disturbingly Orange"

[@abduh6137]

Fastest click in the west!

[@devinteske]

9:16 Red & White Border Collie?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Kelpie -- Australian cousin to the border collie. Both breeds evolved form the old Scottish collie. Name's Bella.

[@devinteske]

@@WorkshopCompanion I have a red and white Border Collie with papers putting his parents back in Scotland 17 generations ago. His name is Bailey.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@devinteske Many years back, I had a wonderful red border collie named Tessa. Some of her pups became service gods for the hearing impaired.

[@jeffreyhaines]

I really hope we don't have laser-shooting dogs in 100 years!

[@durangodave]

if we buy from your store, do you include tuning and sharpening them?

[@johnsrabe]

Nick and Travis… no, that didn’t feel like a commercial. And I really don’t get the people who get bent out of shape - like a dropped plane - if you recommend some tools. We either trust you, or we don’t, and if we trust you, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t trust you to test out some tools that we may very well buy. Everybody buys planes, these Jorgensen’s look like a bargain, and if I’m going to buy them, I have no problem sharing a little filthy lucre with you. I have seen and been disappointed by woodworking video hosts who are clearly doing the manufacturer’s bidding. I unsubscribed. If you ever get there, I’ll do the same. But I’m pretty sure you won’t. Scritches to Bella.

[@Quinn-Craft]

kind of useless comparison using that piece of oak when the grain pattern is CLEARLY different between relative sides.