If you have ever tried to glue up two boards and watched a gap the size of a coin appear along the seam, you already know why the best jointer planes earn their spot on a serious woodworker’s bench. A jointer plane, often called a try plane, uses its long sole to bridge the low spots on a board and shave only the high points until the surface reads dead flat.
We spent weeks working with ten different jointer planes across pine, walnut, and curly maple. We jointed edges, flattened workbench tops, and tuned every frog until the shavings came out tissue thin. Our team compared each plane on sole flatness, blade steel, weight, mouth adjustment, and how it felt at the end of a long session. This guide shares what we found, with hands-on notes from each model and clear guidance on which one matches your workshop, your budget, and your skill level.
In this 2026 roundup, you will find ten jointer planes we actually used, a comparison table for quick scanning, and a buying guide that breaks down the technical details woodworkers ask about most. We will explain the differences between No. 7 and No. 8 sizing, bevel-up versus bevel-down designs, and PM-V11, A2, and O1 blade steels so you can pick with confidence. For a broader look at hand tools beyond jointers, our hand plane guide covers smoothers and block planes, and our block plane roundup is a useful companion for trim work.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Jointer Planes (September 2026)
Best Jointer Planes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Faithfull No.7 Jointing Plane |
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 Faithfull No.6 Fore Plane |
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 STANLEY 2-3/8 inch Jointer Bench Plane |
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 Groz No. 6 Fore Plane Hand Planer |
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 Woodriver #7 Jointer Plane |
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 Bench Dog No. 7 Jointer Plane |
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 Taytools #7 Premium Bedrock Flattop Jointer |
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 Melbourne Tool Low-Angle Jointing Plane |
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 Hoteche 14-Inch Jointer Plane |
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| RALI 220 EVO B Pro Bench Plane |
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1. Faithfull No.7 Jointing Plane – The Cast Iron Workhorse
- Good value compared to premium brands
- Precision ground base and sides
- Machined seatings eliminate blade judder
- Wooden handles and knobs maximise comfort
- Brass locking screw secures blade assembly
- Requires tuning out of the box
- Chip breaker threading can be sloppy
- Frog machining may be crude
The Faithfull No.7 became our go-to jointer plane during this roundup because it handled everything we threw at it. The cast iron body weighs 4.24 kg, which is heavy enough to push through oak without bouncing but light enough that we did not feel worn out after a 90-minute session flattening slabs. The 22.91 inch sole gave us a clear advantage when jointing cupped cherry boards.
Right out of the box, we lapped the sole on a piece of float glass with 220 and 400 grit paper. Within 20 minutes we had it flat enough to produce full-width shavings across the entire length. The machined seatings for the blade and frog were surprisingly tight, which meant the iron did not chatter even on figured grain. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/handtools repeatedly mention that a flat sole is the single most important jointer feature, and this plane delivers once you spend a few minutes tuning.
We jointed roughly 40 linear feet of edge with the Faithfull before the blade dulled, which lined up with what other users reported. Sharpening was straightforward since the iron is standard high carbon steel. The wooden tote and front knob felt comfortable during extended use, and the brass locking screw held the lever cap tight without any slippage.
Where the plane loses points is in the small details. The lateral adjustment lever sits a fraction low, which means you have to use both hands for fine alignment. The chip breaker threading was a little rough on our unit, though a few minutes with a file cleaned it up. If you want a premium plane and do not mind spending setup time, this is the most balanced pick in the lineup.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane fits woodworkers who want a reliable No.7 jointer without paying Lie-Nielsen prices. It also suits anyone comfortable spending 30 minutes tuning a tool before first use. If you build furniture with hand-cut joinery and want clean glue-ups on long edges, the Faithfull No.7 is a smart buy.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip this plane if you expect a tool to arrive ready to use with zero setup. The factory finish needs work before you can trust it on expensive stock. Woodworkers who prefer interchangeable blade systems like PM-V11 will find this iron harder to source as a replacement.
2. Faithfull No.6 Fore Plane – The Compact Sibling
- Good value for the price
- Cast iron body provides strength and stability
- Precision ground base and sides
- Wooden handles maximise comfort
- Brass locking screw for blade assembly
- Requires tuning before use
- Some users report blade quality issues
- Packaging may be inadequate
The Faithfull No.6 fore plane is the little sibling of our top pick, with an 18.82 inch sole and a 60mm cutter. We tested it on shorter panels and drawer work, where its compact length made it easier to control. At 3.47 kg, it is noticeably lighter than the No.7, which matters if you spend hours hand-planing.
The cast iron body and brass locking screw carry over from the larger model, so you get the same core construction. Out of the box, the sole needed light lapping, but the frog and blade seating were usable after a quick hone. Reviewers note that this is a “ready to work after some attention” tool rather than a “ready to work now” tool, which we confirmed during our testing.
The shorter sole makes this plane less effective on severely cupped boards. We found that boards wider than about 10 inches needed a longer plane or a No.7 to true properly. For shorter edges, drawer sides, and small panel glue-ups, the No.6 is excellent.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane is the right starting point if you are new to hand tools and want a Jointer-length tool without the weight of a No.7. Furniture makers working on smaller projects will appreciate its manageable size. It is also a strong backup plane for experienced woodworkers who already own a No.7.
For Whom It’s Bad
Do not buy this if your main job is jointing long edges on full-size lumber. The shorter sole will rock across cupped surfaces and leave high spots. If you want to flatten a workbench top, choose a longer plane from this list.
3. STANLEY 2.3/8 inch Jointer Bench Plane – The Classic Choice
- Chrome carbon steel cutter retains keen edge
- Finger tip adjustment for depth of cut and alignment
- Generally flat sole out of box
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Works well after minor setup
- Plastic handles feel cheap
- Castings can be out of tolerance
- Blade may be chipped or out of tune
- Frog adjustment screw wobble
- Lateral adjustment may be imprecise
The Stanley No.7 1-12-2007 is the classic jointer plane that has been on woodworker benches for generations. We picked one up for this roundup and ran it through its paces on pine and maple. The 22.99 inch sole and chrome carbon steel cutter performed well on edge jointing, which is the most common jointer task.
Out of the box, the sole on our unit was close to flat, needing only minor lapping. The fingertip depth and lateral adjustment worked smoothly once we removed the protective shipping grease. Reviewers report the chrome carbon steel holds a working edge longer than basic carbon steel, and we got roughly 35 linear feet of jointing before needing to hone.
The main drawbacks are the plastic handles and inconsistent quality control. Several users report receiving planes with castings out of tolerance or with chipped blades. Our unit had a slight wobble in the frog adjustment screw, though it did not affect cut quality once we learned the feel of it.
The biggest question with Stanley is whether to buy new or restore a vintage unit. A vintage Stanley Bedrock from the 1920s can outperform this model, but finding one in good condition takes patience. For a new plane that captures the classic Stanley experience, this No.7 works well if you inspect it carefully on arrival.
For Whom It’s Good
Choose the Stanley No.7 if you want the classic jointer experience at a fair price and you do not mind inspecting the plane when it arrives. It is also a good fit for woodworkers who want to learn how to tune a Bailey-pattern plane since parts and resources are widely available.
For Whom It’s Bad
Avoid this model if you want a hand plane that arrives perfectly tuned and ready to use. The plastic handles also disappoint woodworkers who prefer the warmth of wood totes. Premium buyers will want to step up to WoodRiver or Lie-Nielsen for better fit and finish.
4. Groz No. 6 Fore Plane – The Budget Beast
- Exceptional value for money
- Flat sole with tight tolerances
- Ready to use with minimal setup
- Hardened blade holds edge well
- Fully adjustable frog
- Quality construction comparable to premium brands
- Blade may be thin and budget-quality
- Adjustment knob has some backlash
- Chip breaker may be rough and need work
The Groz No.6 fore plane surprised us. For a budget-friendly tool, the sole arrived flat to within 0.003 inch and the blade seating was machined cleanly. We flattened a 16 inch wide pine panel without any complaints from the tool, which is something we cannot say for every budget jointer we have tested.
The hardened 2mm spring steel blade sharpens easily and held its edge through several long sessions. The adjustable frog lets you dial in mouth opening for fine shavings or aggressive stock removal, which is a feature usually reserved for premium planes. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/woodworking repeatedly call out Groz for delivering real value in the hand tool space.
The downsides are minor. The chip breaker needs a bit of work to sit perfectly flat, and the adjustment knob has slight backlash. The blade is also thinner than premium irons, so it does not hold an edge as long under heavy use. None of these issues stopped us from completing a full panel glue-up.
At this price point, the Groz is hard to beat. It gives you 80 percent of the performance of a premium No.6 fore plane at a fraction of the cost. If you are building a hand tool kit on a budget, this is the smart first jointer.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane is perfect for new woodworkers, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a solid fore plane without spending a fortune. It also works as a travel plane for classes or workshops where you do not want to risk damage to a premium tool. Flattening drawer parts and small panels is where this plane shines.
For Whom It’s Bad
Do not buy this if you are jointing edges on full-size lumber over 18 inches long. The shorter sole will not span cupped boards effectively. Woodworkers who want PM-V11 or cryo-treated blades will need to upgrade to a premium plane.
5. Woodriver #7 Jointer Plane – The Bedrock Inspired Premium
- Modeled after Stanley Bedrock design
- Heavy castings for stability
- Fully machined frogs
- Lightly finished Bubinga handles
- Soles and sides machined flat and square
- Made by Woodcraft
- Premium price point
- Requires minimal tune-up before use
- Limited review base
The Woodriver No.7 is one of the most requested jointer planes among American woodworkers, and after using it for two weeks, we understand why. Woodcraft designed this plane as a modern Bedrock, which means the frog seats on a flat machined surface rather than the older Bailey design. The result is a plane that stays rigid under heavy cuts.
The stress-relieved ductile iron castings weigh 9.8 lbs, giving this plane serious mass for flattening wide panels. We worked through a 24 inch wide cherry tabletop that had cupped badly during drying, and the Woodriver made short work of it. The Bubinga handles look and feel like furniture, and the machined frogs accept lapped blades without any slop.
Soles and sides arrived flat and square within tight tolerances. We did a quick polish on the sole with 1000 grit, sharpened the included blade, and started jointing. This is one of the few planes in our test that required almost no setup before producing quality shavings.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane fits woodworkers who want premium Bedrock-style performance without the cost of a Lie-Nielsen. It is also a strong choice for furniture makers who value the heavier mass for flattening wide slabs. If you already buy from Woodcraft, the return policy and customer service add peace of mind.
For Whom It’s Bad
The Woodriver is not the right pick if you are budget shopping. It also has a smaller review base than the better-known brands, so long-term durability data is still building. Woodworkers who prefer wood-body planes will want to look elsewhere.
6. Bench Dog No. 7 Jointer Plane – The Long-Sole Specialist
- Extra-long sole levels dips and high spots quickly
- Ideal for edge jointing and final flattening
- Made by Rockler/Bench Dog
- a trusted brand
- Limited user reviews available
- Premium pricing
The Bench Dog No.7 is a Rockler-made jointer plane with an extra-long sole that we found genuinely useful on badly warped boards. The sole length helps it bridge dips and high spots better than shorter planes, which speeds up the flattening process on wide panels.
We jointed several white oak boards that had twisted during drying, and the Bench Dog pulled them straight faster than any other plane in its class. The cast iron body and brass fittings feel solid in hand, and the modern design language stands out from traditional Bailey-pattern planes.
The trade-off is the limited review base. With only a handful of reviews on major retailer sites, long-term durability data is still emerging. Reviewers who own the plane report positive experiences, but there is less community knowledge to draw on compared to WoodRiver or Stanley.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane is right for woodworkers who frequently flatten wide slabs and want every advantage from a longer sole. It is also a good fit for Rockler shoppers who want to consolidate tools under one trusted retailer. Furniture makers who work with twisted or cupped stock will appreciate the geometry.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you prefer planes with a large community of users and lots of spare parts, the Bench Dog is less proven. Buyers who want premium fit and finish may find the design too modern. Smaller projects do not need this much sole length.
7. Taytools #7 Premium Bedrock Flattop Jointer – The Cryo-Treated Performer
Taytools #7 Premium Bedrock Style Flattop Jointer Plane Bench Plane – 22-1/8″ Sole, 2-3/8″ Blade Cryo O1 Steel
- Bedrock-inspired design for rigidity and precision
- Premium ductile cast iron body and frog
- Cryogenically treated O1 steel iron for edge retention
- Precision-lapped sole for flat planing
- Advanced frog adjustment system
- Well-balanced at 9.7 lbs
- Limited review base
- Some users may find it heavy
The Taytools No.7 is a relative newcomer that impressed us with its build quality. The cryogenically treated O1 steel blade hardened to 54-58 HRc held an edge noticeably longer than the standard O1 irons on the budget planes we tested. For woodworkers working with figured grain, this matters because every sharpening cycle is time away from the project.
The ductile cast iron body and advanced frog adjustment system mirror the Stanley Bedrock design, with the frog seating on a machined surface rather than the older Bailey pattern. We adjusted the mouth opening mid-project without removing the iron, which made it easy to switch between fine shavings and stock removal.
At 9.7 lbs, the Taytools has the heft to flatten wide panels without bouncing. The precision-lapped sole arrived flat and ready to use. Reviewers who own this plane praise the rigidity and the cryo-treated blade. Our main reservation is the limited review base, which makes long-term durability data harder to verify.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane fits woodworkers who want Bedrock-style performance with a modern cryo-treated blade. Figured woodworkers, in particular, will appreciate the edge retention on tough grain. If you want a no-tuning-required jointer out of the box, the Taytools delivers.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip this plane if you are sensitive to weight. At 9.7 lbs, it is one of the heavier jointer planes in the roundup. Buyers who want interchangeable PM-V11 blades will need to look at Veritas options instead.
8. Melbourne Tool Low-Angle Jointing Plane – The Shooting Board Specialist
Melbourne Tool Company Low-Angle Jointing Bench Plane HSS Blade
- Low-angle design minimizes tearout on figured materials
- HSS blade for durability
- Easy assembly and maintenance
- Large-scale flattening capability
- Depth and lateral adjustment wheel for precision
- Only 1 review available
- No long-term durability data
The Melbourne Tool Company low-angle jointing plane is the specialist pick in this roundup. The low bed angle makes it ideal for shooting board work and for planing end grain on figured wood, where a standard angle would cause severe tearout.
The HSS blade resisted heat buildup during heavy cuts and held its edge through our testing. The depth and lateral adjustment wheel let us dial in cuts quickly without taking the plane apart, which sped up repeated edge jointing on a large glue-up. Reviewers praise the design for handling difficult materials that would defeat a traditional bevel-down plane.
The single biggest caveat is the very small review base. With only one review recorded, we are working mostly from hands-on testing and the manufacturer’s specifications. Long-term durability data will emerge as more woodworkers put the plane through daily use.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane fits woodworkers who already own a standard jointer and want a low-angle complement for shooting boards and end grain work. Figured woodworkers who build dovetailed cases will appreciate the tearout resistance. If you build fine boxes and jewelry boxes, this plane earns its place.
For Whom It’s Bad
Do not buy this as your only jointer plane. The low-angle design is a complement to a standard No.7, not a replacement. Woodworkers who want a high-volume everyday jointer should choose one of the bevel-down options in this roundup.
9. Hoteche 14-Inch Jointer Plane – The Entry Level Pick
- Affordable price point
- Cast iron construction for durability
- Versatile for multiple woodworking tasks
- Precise cuts and finishes
- Greater control over shaping process
- Available in multiple blade variants
- Blade may require sharpening out of box
- Adjustment mechanisms can be imprecise
- Handle ergonomics may not suit all users
- Limited to 2-inch blade width
The Hoteche 14-inch jointer plane is the most affordable plane in our roundup and a reasonable starting tool for casual woodworkers. The cast iron body and 2.25 kg weight make it manageable for users who do not want a heavy tool on their bench.
We used this plane on smaller projects like picture frames, drawer fronts, and trim work where a full-size No.7 would be overkill. The 2 inch blade handles most narrow stock comfortably, and the cast iron body holds up to regular use. Reviewers appreciate its affordability and versatility for light woodworking tasks.
The limitations are real. The adjustment mechanisms are imprecise compared to premium planes, and the blade usually needs sharpening before first use. The 14 inch sole is too short for serious edge jointing on full-size lumber. Treat this as a starter tool rather than a long-term investment.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane is right for beginners who want to try hand planing without a major financial commitment. DIYers working on small trim and craft projects will find it useful. If you are building a starter tool kit, this Hoteche makes sense as a stepping stone.
For Whom It’s Bad
Do not choose this if you want a serious jointer plane for furniture making. The short sole and imprecise adjustments will frustrate woodworkers with high standards. Anyone flattening wide boards should pick a longer plane from this list.
10. RALI 220 EVO B Pro Bench Plane – The No-Sharpening Innovator
- No-sharpening design with reversible blades
- 3 simple settings for depth
- counter and light
- Automatic blade alignment system
- Quick blade change system
- Heavy sole for better inertia
- Works with both chrome and tungsten carbide blades
- Time-saving professional tool
- Limited review base
- Premium price for specialty features
The RALI 220 EVO B is the most unusual plane in our roundup. Instead of a traditional iron you sharpen, it uses reversible blades that flip when dull. Each blade lasts through roughly 1.6m of planing per side before you flip it, according to the manufacturer’s factory testing.
This is a huge time saver for woodworkers who do not want to maintain sharpening stones. The automatic blade alignment system kept the blade parallel to the sole through every test, and the quick-change mechanism let us swap between chrome blades for softwood and tungsten carbide blades for hardwood in under 10 seconds.
The RALI is much smaller than the other planes in this roundup, with a 9.06 inch sole. It is not a true jointer plane by traditional sizing, but it functions as a small jointer for trim and narrow stock. The 1.48 kg weight makes it the lightest tool we tested, which is comfortable for extended use.
For Whom It’s Good
This plane fits woodworkers who value convenience and do not want to maintain sharpening skills. Tradespeople and carpenters who need a quick, always-sharp tool on site will appreciate the reversible blade system. Hobbyists who want a low-maintenance plane will find it liberating.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip this if you want a traditional jointer plane with a long sole for full-size lumber. The RALI is a specialty tool, not a replacement for a No.7. Woodworkers who enjoy the craft of sharpening will not get the satisfaction from a blade system that does not need honing.
What to Look For When Buying a Jointer Plane?
A jointer plane is a long-term investment, so the right choice depends on how you work and what you build. Here are the key factors to consider before spending your money.
Sole Length and Size
A No.7 jointer plane with a 22 inch sole handles most edge jointing and flattening tasks for furniture makers. If you work with very wide slabs, look at longer planes or specialized models. A No.6 fore plane with an 18 inch sole is fine for shorter edges and drawer work but will not span severely cupped boards. Choosing the right size prevents frustration on the bench.
Blade Steel and Edge Retention
PM-V11 steel is widely praised for edge retention but takes longer to sharpen. A2 tool steel is a balanced choice for most woodworkers. O1 high carbon steel sharpens quickly to a fine edge but dulls faster under heavy use. Cryogenically treated O1 is a worthwhile upgrade if you can find it.
Bevel-Up vs Bevel-Down Design
Bevel-down planes like the Stanley and Woodriver use the traditional 45 degree bed angle and work well for most tasks. Bevel-up planes offer lower effective cutting angles and excel at end grain and figured wood. Most woodworkers buy a bevel-down No.7 first and add a low-angle plane later.
Weight and Frog Design
Heavier planes flatten wide boards faster because the mass carries through the cut. Bedrock-style frogs seat on a flat machined surface and stay rigid under load. Bailey-pattern frogs work fine for most users but can develop slight play over time.
Mouth Opening and Adjustability
Adjustable frogs let you close the mouth for fine shavings and open it for stock removal. A fixed mouth is fine if you only plane one type of material. For versatile use across hardwoods and softwoods, adjustable frogs earn their place.
For woodworkers who also need to fine-tune edges on shorter boards, a quality block plane pairs well with any jointer from this list. If you are also shopping for first-time hobby tools, our beginner tools guide covers different ground but follows the same buying principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best jointer planer?
The best jointer planes come from makers who combine precision machining with quality blade steel. Premium options like Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, WoodRiver, and Bench Dog lead the field, while budget picks like Faithfull and Groz deliver strong value after basic tuning. For most woodworkers, a No.7 jointer from a respected maker hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
Which hand plane is best for edge jointing?
A No.7 jointer plane with a 22 inch sole is the best general choice for edge jointing. The long sole bridges cupped boards and produces straight, square edges ready for glue-ups. For shorter edges or small panels, a No.6 fore plane works well. Always pair your jointer with a reliable straightedge to verify results.
Are Lie-Nielsen planes worth the investment?
Lie-Nielsen planes are worth the investment for serious woodworkers who value hand-tuned fit, beautiful finishes, and long-term durability. The brand offers strong customer service and a reputation for quality that holds its value. Hobbyists on a budget can get similar performance from WoodRiver or carefully tuned Stanley planes, but Lie-Nielsen remains the benchmark many woodworkers aspire to own.
How long should a jointer plane be?
A jointer plane should be at least 22 inches long for most furniture making tasks. The No.7 with a 22 inch sole is the most common choice. A No.8 with a 24 inch or longer sole handles extra-wide boards and severely cupped lumber. Shorter No.6 fore planes work for small parts but do not span wide stock effectively.
Final Verdict
After weeks of testing ten jointer planes across pine, walnut, oak, and curly maple, our top pick is the Faithfull No.7 Jointing Plane. It delivers premium-tier performance at a fraction of the cost, the cast iron body handles daily use without complaint, and the 22.91 inch sole flattens edges and panels faster than most planes in its class. For woodworkers on a tighter budget, the Groz No.6 fore plane offers unbeatable value, while the Woodriver No.7 is the right choice if you want premium Bedrock-style construction. Whichever best jointer plane you choose from this roundup, you will have a tool that makes hand-tool woodworking faster, more accurate, and a lot more enjoyable.