Hand Planers (21 items found)

Planes are essential hand tools for shaping and smoothing wood. Ace makes it easy to select the ideal hand planer for any project. Online and in stores, we stock a diverse assortment of bench plane and block planer tools from brands like Stanley and Robert Lawson, so you can compare your options and select the right tool for your needs.

Bench Plane vs. Block Plane: Which Is Right for You?

One of the first decisions to make when selecting a hand plane is whether to opt for a bench plane or a block plane.

• Large in size, bench planer tools typically go atop a workbench. They are designed for long grain. Since they are big, they can smooth and shape large pieces of wood more quickly and easily.
• Block plane tools tend to be smaller, lighter and more compact. As a result, they're easy to transport to use on a job site and can be stored in a tool box to free up space on crowded workbenches. They are design for end grain.

Which type of hand planer will be best for you depends on where you typically work and the size of your shop.

Exploring Specialty Hand Planes

In addition to conventional block and bench hand planes, manufacturers offer specialty planes for different tasks.

• Low-angle planes are block planes with a lower pitch that is ideal for fine detail work, such as shaving doorways and perfecting cuts.
• Rabbet planes are for when you need to cut rectangular grooves in lumber.
• A shoulder plane is for smoothing joints and trimming tendons.
• Router planes are for polishing up slots and trenches.

Finding the Right Hand Planer

As you compare hand planes, look at the following characteristics to quickly narrow down the options:

• Size: Hand planes come in many sizes, from large bench planes that measure more than 20 inches to mini plane tools that can fit in the tightest of spaces.
• Blade thickness: Thicker planer blades can improve control and create smoother cuts, while thinner hand planer blades may be more economically priced.
• Adjustability: Some hand planers adjust to let you modify the cutting angle and alignment. Compare the number of points of adjustability as you shop.
• Materials: Cast metal hand planers tend to be lightweight and more portable, while forged hand planes may be more durable.

Shop Hand Planers Near You at Ace

Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned woodworker, Ace Hardware has the tools you need to tackle any project. Shop planers near you at your local Ace.

In addition to hand planers, you can find utility and hobby knives, joiners, power planers and a whole lot more. Stop in and speak to one of our knowledgeable associates to get help choosing your new hand planer. They can also show you the hand planer blades that coordinate with the model you select, so you can stock up and be ready for blade changes. Or shop our assortment of bench planers, block planers and planer blades online anytime.