Low Angle Jack Plane Review (One Hand Plane For Multiple Tasks)

For my first tool review, I go over the advantages of the low angle jack plane. This is the most versatile hand plane I own. I can work on end grain, figured grain, remove a lot of material quickly and even use this tool as a scraper with just a quick iron change. Regardless of the brand, If I could only have one bench plane in the wood shop, it would be the no 62 low angle jack plane.
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[@mrstandfast2212]

Hello from the UK. That was a very good review and thank you for not playing pointless and intrusive music throughout. I have had this model of LN plane for around three years, and can attest that they are wonderful to use and of the very best quality. While planes from China and India are available and often quite good quality, I made the decision to buy from a western manufacturer. I would have considered a Clifton from here in the UK, however they don't make a low angle jack plane. A purchase such as this is a once only requirement especially of you buy the best you can afford. Buying US, Canadian or British also ensures that workers are properly treated and that the investment in research that these companies have carried out is respected. Buying from the east simply encourages the proliferation of copies. While many western companies are victims of their own lack of imagination, research and investment, it's apparent that LN and Veritas properly think through how existing tools can be bettered. Most often the real difference are the quality of the materials used and the tolerances of manufacture.

[@SlaveToMyStomach]

@Stephen I too have made the decision to buy from western manufactures because I choose to support those economies. I'm retired but do have a little 'pin money' to spend on hand tools. As of now I have bought tools from Canada, UK, France, Czech Republic and of course, the US. While the quality of tools from China, Taiwan or India can be okay, I just prefer to buy elsewhere. Will western tools make me a better woodworker? No but neither will they stand in my way,

[@chm1701]

Well said. Lie-Nielsen boxes come with ‘Heirloom Quality Tools’ on them, and they really are.

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Excellent review, how did I miss this video,,,,,,, love that plane. Thank you for sharing 👍😄

[@TetraCNC]

Great review, very informative. I like how you contrasted it to the Bailey style plane

[@BuiltByChris]

Just got myself a #62 low angle jack plane. Your video answered a lot of questions about it. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I will be looking for it in your upcoming videos!

[@donesry2902]

Thank you for the review! This is my first time watching one of your videos. I have seen other reviews with just way too much talking. You were just right. I really liked that you demonstrated that you know what you are talking about by showing the wood shavings with both the low angle and the bailey. That was really cool. You obviously have have a lot of skill and that makes your opinions much more valuable.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@StarrWoodworks]

Thank you for making this! I am considering a jack plane, so this came at a good time 👌.

[@thetinywoodworkshop]

Wow a new format, I can imagine its not easy to talk so much time in front of the camera, you did a great job, its a pleasure to listen and you have a talent to point out the most essential things 👍

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! I'm still experimenting with different types of videos to see what works and doesnt. It only took about 25 tries to get this talking done, LOL. Hopefully it gets easier as I go and it may even help me improve my presenting skills at my day job!

[@jjs811]

Great review. Thanks for sharing

[@YaronZur]

Great presentation! Thanks

[@crabolsky]

Reallly great overview mate...very helpful. Cheers!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you!

[@franks122]

Thanks for sharing. Very helpful.

[@michaelostrander3681]

Just recently found your channel and continue to be impressed. You bring a great body of practical knowledge to your work. No replacement for that. I have had this particular tool for quite a while now, maybe 20 yrs. I bought a Veritas low angle smoother at the same time and planned on sending the one that seemed the most redundant to my existing planes back. I still have them both and use them every day. Pretty much my go-to for most planning jobs. They both have some annoying quirks but overall I don't think you can go wrong with either company although I do prefer the veritas for "shooting" as the design seems to have taken that utility into account. Thanks for the great work here.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I agree. Both brands are great. The extra features on the veritas makes it a great choice. At first I thought I really needed those set screws that the veritas has to keep the blade centered but after some time working with the LN, the quick couple taps on the iron to center it is like 2nd nature.

[@leroy5007]

Excellent review thank you

[@tworiversworkshop6111]

I am weighing up between the Vertitas and the LN, so I found your review very helpful. Thank you.

[@williamchase5698]

Thanks for your expertise and time....!

[@wb_finewoodworking]

A great review. One of those is on my “must have” list when I get to a point where I need one enough to justify the cost.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I will be waiting for your review after you get it. It looks like you have been having fun with the lathe lately!

[@makermark67]

Great review. Trying to get into some hand planes and appreciate the good info. Keep it up. New subscriber here.

[@patmash]

Great review. Sold on the low angle. Thank you.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks. I have been very happy with mine.

[@iamwhoiam4410]

Excellent review. Lie Nielson are the only planes I use. That low angle jack is my go to plane, especially when that 51/2 jack and 7 jointer plane feels like they weigh more than me lol. I own 11 of them, one of them being the low angle smoothing plane. and they all worked straight out of the box.

[@sumosprojects]

Really nice review mate, I’m not a big hand tool guy as I never really grew up using them but I see with some of the sharpening options available nowadays & the quality of tools we can access it becomes more so an option for DIYers to potentially look at using hand tools, great demo & review 🔨👍👍👍

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! This type of plane, regardless of the brand is a great option for a power tool builder

[@jamieadams178]

I had the privilege of trying the LN and the veritas before buying and decided on the veritas. Can honestly say it’s the best plane I’ve used, unbelievable versatile and perfect right out of the box. First use was flattening and smoothing a maple end grain chopping board and it did it like it was butter! Brilliant tool from either LN or veritas! Thanks for the review.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks for watching! I agree. You can't go wrong with either. I do like the extra set screws to keep the veritas iron centered.

[@DH48635]

Very good review...thanks for sharing info

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you!

[@scannon90]

Great overview, thanks for sharing

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks!

[@gonzacher]

Excellent review. I have one of these, and you covered everything. You clearly know what you're talking about. I had the same thought about the Veritas. If I had seen it first, I probably wouldn't own the LN. I just subscribed, and look forward to checking out your other videos

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you for the feedback

[@mgildersleeve]

Good review. I liked it how you did it. Very nice information.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks. It only took about a 100 takes to get the words out! Lol

[@738polarbear]

The toothed iron is also good for veneer preparation . I have the Veritas 62 1/2 or low angle Jack. Both planes pretty similar.i just prefer Veritas . Excellently presented video by the way Whichever make you get either one is arguably the only plane you REALLY need.I do not know why people bother with the Chinese Wood River when they can have either North American Lie Nielsen or Veritas for very little more money.

[@brucecomerford]

Good video. Thanks mate.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks!

[@lessilies2048]

Very nice and thorough presentation. I am of the same opinion that a bevel up jack is the most versatile bench plane offered. They easily accept additional irons to get attack angles of 37, 45, 55 degrees or whatever you desire with little to no downtime. Opening and closing the mouth to suit the task at hand is extremely simple and quick.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you! I have been very impressed by the bevel up planes. I find myself grabbing it more and more over some of my others

[@jeffforbes3772]

Thanks for this post. I have been struggling with what brand and type to buy. You gave good explanations of all the features and what each one it would do for me. Thanks again.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheHandToolery]

Nice thorough review. I think the same about the price difference-their low angle jack is a steal!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks. I'm in love with this tool. I saw on a plane review video you did where you mentioned liking the traditional look of your tools and I agree

[@chm1701]

I’ve not only found out about how versatile the no.62 is, but I’ve found out what certain features are for too. I was never 100% sure what the mouth adjustment was for, so now I know. Thanks.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! I'm glad you got something from the video

[@kerryfoster1]

Great video. I've had my Stanley jack plane for 40 years now. Can't ever remember adjusting the frog. Maybe did many years ago but I never touch it now. I think once you get it working well leave well alone. same for my block plane.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! I have a couple jack planes all set up a little different. One with an open mouth for heavy shavings and another set for a really closed mouth for fine shavings and minimum tear out. Your right though, once the frog is set for that type of operation, I don't have to mess with the frog anymore

[@lachemoilagrappe]

Great video, great review. Not a crap shit "look i've received my parcel, let's open it together, wouaw it's so beautiful, so happy to own it...". Everything you said is great value information, the comparison with the classic pattern is very pertinent, little just necessary time video for demonstrating how it works, the result i mean, the focus on the tool not on a brand...I would have love to find this kind of information when i started woodworking and started looking for tools 3 years ago. At the shop where i went to buy my exemplar of the n°62, i felt on a perfect asshole, i was kind a bit shy, telling him i just started studing carpentry, and so asked for informations, if there was a notice for this handplane, he answered me in a scornful tone "easy.. it's just a handplane, that's not a car". I was a little hurt, maybe i didn't represent lot of value for him because not a professional, but also very dissapointed by the "professionalism" of this seller. I expected to meet someone passionated, enthusiast to share knowledge, advices, etc... He just told me they never had issues reported from customers with the Lie Nielsen manufacturer -like "it's good stuff so just buy it and shut up". Nevertheless i bought my low angle jack plane at this shop because it was the less expensive way. I remember something i didn't really understood at the beginning, it's the setting of the cap screw, and the relation between the cap screw and the cap iron thumbscrew. Maybe some words about this? Anyway, one of the best tool review because very informative, pertinent, and helpful, i've seen. Thump up totally diserved (he two dislikes are jealous, ignorant or unhonest sellers). I would definitely recommend it... to someone i couldn't show and explain all this with hy own and sooo beloved 62! I'll very probably have a look at your other videos. Many thank's! Best regards from Paris, France. :)

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks for the feedback! It's unfortunate that you received crappy guidance. I know I bought a lot of unnecessary tools over the years and some with poor quality that I ended up replacing. Others that I spent a ton of money on but could have found better value elsewhere. Hopefully the video helps some people

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

Thx for an honest review of these Low Angle plane. Am hoping to someday get one. And have been wondering if they were any better.👍 x10

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks!

[@MoscaWoodworking]

Just found your channel and subbed great video!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks!

[@ureasmith3049]

Good review. I may be getting one of those in the near future.

[@robertkauten]

Great review! You did very well. I've been working on making my own steel-bodied plane. I need some guidance on whether it's worth it to make the new plane, low-angle. This helped a lot. Thank you!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

That sounds like a fun project! I would love to make my own some day. Good luck!

[@paulie3221]

Im more interested how you use a digital angle gauge to hone your blades. Please do a video on that.

[@joshuahasson9687]

Great explanation! But I’m mad at you bc I want one now.

[@zer013]

Great review! Do you sharpen any slight cambers on the bevel up?

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I dont put any camber on the low angle iron that I use on end grain and shooting boards but I put a very slight camber or feather the edges of the high angle iron.

[@BarefootBushcraft]

Awesome video my friend! I just found your channel and became a supporter :) Like #61. Keep up the great work!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! I have been subscribed to you for a little while now. I'm starting to get in to metal working too. I like your staffs and training knife

[@BarefootBushcraft]

Twisted Boards thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words :) its cool to try different things aye

[@Lit0Rs]

Great review Sir! I received this plane today and already ordered a second blade with a higher angle. My question is, do you create a camber on the blade you use for smoothing? I figure without a camber it creates track marks, right? Thanks!

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you. I leave my low angle blade flat all the way across since i use if for shooting and end grain. My higher angled iron is feathered or rounded on the corners. If I get small plane tracks, I just overlap each pass until I get to the edge of the board and that usually gets rid of them

[@Lit0Rs]

Twisted Woodshop that’s what I thought, but I couldn’t find any information about it! Thank you very much for the explanation and for the super fast response! Have a good one!

[@CCSandSonsWorkshop]

Great info! I am not nearly familiar enough with hand planes so I appreciate the insight. Is there a good entry level set you would recommend? Is that Lie-Nielsen overkill for a new user? Thx

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

This style plane can do so many tasks, you can get away with just a low angle jack plane and a low angle block plane. I dont think the lie nielsen is overkill for someone new to planes, I have learned for my self to buy the best I can afford. This way I can't blame the tool when things go wrong. I know it's me that's the problem!

[@lachemoilagrappe]

Get FIRST your LAST tool!

[@pollyvanderbeek8464]

In my opinion it's always better to buy quality tools. They perform well and give more pleasure in use in comparison to the most cheaper versions. One other advantage is that high quality planes like Lie Nielsen and Veritas make don't lose their value that much whenever you want to sell them. The Lie Nielsen planes are the most valued planes in my collection and are a joy to use !

[@takeniteasyfriend]

👍Excellent review. Your nuanced details of the Lie Nielsen and Veritas (set screws) and Wood Rivers were very helpful for a new woodworker like myself. Definitely better informed. Lie Nielsen is my pick based on blade thickness and reputation. I see how these planes each have their particular niche in cutting. Subscribed. 🇺🇸

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thank you! Good pick!

[@nathanmitchell4839]

Stanley has one also, it's much cheaper, it used to have major issues, now it's fine if you don't get one that's old stock. I paid $195+tax Canadian for it.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

It has the lateral adjuster also. I think I would like that feature

[@anthonymiller8979]

I just the Veritas version of this with the 25 deg iron. I do like you idea of making a steeper micro bevel on another 25 deg iron rather than buying (Veritas) a 38 deg iron or steeper. On those every resharpen means working the entire bevel but with this I can just work the micro each time. Can you see any drawbacks to this method vs. a iron with a full bevel at a steeper angle?

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I dont know of any drawbacks. Your right it is much easier and quicker to just have to worry about the secondary bevel

[@blakedavis7609]

Have you tried the Bench Dog low angle? I got one from Rockler but it seems that the mouth doesn’t open up far enough and I don’t know if the 90 degree blade would fit properly.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I haven't tried the bench dog version. I will take a look at it the next time at Rockler.

[@ralphpezda6523]

When you run into difficult end grain you can skew the plane 20° to 30° into the direction of the cut on the fly. If you are right handed skew the front of the plane to the left and vice versa. Problem solved. It's also excellent for planing the edges of doors that stick without removing them from the hinges. Use the standard angle blade for both. If I had to keep only two planes and get rid of any others it would be this and the bronze & rosewood 1/2 inch small shoulder plane which Lie-nielsen unfortunately no longer makes.

[@jacklouth3227]

Great input. I am a retired amateur furniture maker with an increasing interest on hand work. The LN 62 is priced about $340 as compared to Woodriver $269 and Kunz $240. I favor the Kunz 62 plus Jack available at Highland because it is made in Germany.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! I haven't used the Kunz low angle but their other planes are nice.

[@whobuddywantsit]

Excellent review. Can you post a link on where I can get one?

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I will get something added to the description

[@nathanmitchell4839]

If you put a back bevel on the low angle jack plane close to the angle of the frog but less than the frog's angle then you can keep the blades original 25 degrees, when resharpening treat the back bevel as if it was your micro bevel and just take the burr off the primary bevel, doing this will give you a stronger edge without increasing the angle. They do this on some Japanese blades.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I never thought to do that but it makes sense. I was worried about the low angle wearing out quicker and needing more frequent sharpenings. I may try this next time I sharpen

[@dan__________________]

The Veritas low angle Jack has set screws that keep the blade square to the mouth. I really don't like using my LN low angle jack for anything other than end grain because setting it in and out is cumbersome. If anyone new to the craft is wanting to get a low angle Jack, I would recommend against the LN plane and go for the Veritas one instead.

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks. I love Veritas tools! I mention the veritas and the set screws towards the end of the video. I mention that I might have bought the Veritas if I had to do it again for that reason. I also like the stop that keeps the adjustable toe from hitting the iron. The more I use the LN without the set screws though, the quicker and easier it gets to set.

[@dan__________________]

@@TwistedWorkshop77 Sorry, I must have missed that part.

[@jc51373]

With the caveat that the veritas is $90 more than the LN. I would imagine one would adjust to the LN adjustments and anyone new to hand planing would be new and not have a frame of reference. I'd recommend the LN based on these facts alone.

[@dan__________________]

@@jc51373 Sorry man, they are exactly the same price to the penny. The problem is when you have to adjust and then re-adjust for different purposes. Its really a bad overall plane for a beginner as they have a tough time setting a hand plane to begin with and now they have to contend with tapping the iron over with a hammer every-time you adjust the iron in and out. The reason I commented on this is because I see video after video where people recommend this as a "if you could only buy one" hand plane you should get a No. 62. Fact is, you shouldn't buy one hand plane. Rather buy two used hand planes so you have the correct tool for the job. I have both the LN No. 62 and an antique Stanley No. 62, and I have nothing against either of them, but the original design Stanley went with is does not condone itself to simple adjustments. On the other side, if you want a purpose use shooting plane or if you just use it for end grain use, the No. 62 works great. Just don't adjust it.

[@jc51373]

@@dan__________________ yes i was looking at the number 5...I still don't see the need for adjustments on a plane this versatile. I agree it's probably better to have several purpose built planes in your tool shed, but if you had to choose one, this one should be on the list. I am using to it take down a maple work top, 4 squaring the legs, and every other task associated with a roubo bench build. It's a journeyman

[@robinalexander5772]

Hi I envy you a lie Neilson 62 is $470 plus a replacement blade $75. Luban which is woodriver if memory serves is $220 Australian. You are so better off . I like your video 😀

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Thanks! That's a huge difference in price where you are. The difference here was $40.

[@green_building]

10:45 why you want to Make a change bro ? any wider explanation

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

I was mentioning that I tried out the woodriver and veritas versions of the no. 62 and both worked just as well. If I were to start over, i might consider getting the veritas versions because of a couple extra features like a stop so you dont hit the adjustable toe in to the iron and set screws on each side of the plane to help with iron adjustment. With all of that being said, I am very happy with the Lie Nielsen and Love the traditional look and feel of the tool. All three brands were within $40 of each other.

[@green_building]

@@TwistedWorkshop77 ah its bright now, thankyou verymuch for your time and your experience to answered it 🙏😎 keep up your good work there and make more interesting video like this 👍👍

[@gregf5730]

Stratocaster or Telecaster?

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

If I could only have one, it would be a telecaster!

[@gregf5730]

@@TwistedWorkshop77 Just curious, I saw the Fender shirt - my answer is both! 😁 But I guess I would go with a Strat mostly because that's the one I had first. Tone wise it seems the Tele is more versatile.

[@jacklouth3227]

Correction: I am retired and an amateur ...

[@HarlyGuy13]

I’ve not seen a video of your that I’ve not enjoyed.

[@seantyree8443]

woodriver is a joke compared to lie nielsen hand plane and there the same price, and woodriver made in china lie nielsen is made in usa, lie nielsen makes them the way they use to ! veritas is great to and also like bridge city, wood river shouldnt be charging more then 150 dollars its more comparable to the stanley sweetheart 62

[@TwistedWorkshop77]

Maybe they are not consistent but the one I used worked well. The person who owned it already did the work setting to up so im not sure how much effort he had to put in to it. The LN only needed 2 minutes worth of honing to be ready to use. I agree the small difference in price made the LN the right choice as well. I've never tried any bridge city tools Thanks for watching.