Best Router Plane
A router plane is a specialized hand tool used in woodworking for cutting a flat, level surface or groove along the grain of the wood.
It is commonly used to level out the bottom of a mortise, a groove, or a dado, and to trim tenons or rabbets.
Unlike a typical handheld router, a router plane is a hand tool that allows the user to control the depth and width of the cut, making it a popular choice among woodworkers who prefer precision and accuracy in their work.
Choosing the best router plane can be challenging given the variety of models available on the market today, each with its own unique features and benefits.
In this article, we will explore some of the best router planes on the market and provide insights to help you make an informed purchase decision.
5 Best Router Plane
Rank | Router Plane | Feature |
---|---|---|
1 | Cowryman Router Plane | Stainless steel body |
2 | Admini Router Plane | Upgraded trapezoidal thread |
3 | Taytools Router Plane | Hardened blade |
4 | Bench Dog Router Plane | Cast iron body |
5 | Admini Router Plane |
Fine polished handle |
1. Cowryman Router Plane Handheld Woodworking Tool
The Cowryman Router Plane Handheld Woodworking Tool is a highly recommended tool for woodworking enthusiasts.
Its stainless steel body is 4.13 inches long and 2.75 inches wide, and it has a comfortable wooden handle.
The iron size is 0.31 inches, perfect for leveling out the bottom of a mortise or trimming tenons or rabbets. The blade is adjustable with a screw, allowing for precise cuts of varying depths and widths.
Whether you’re a professional or DIY enthusiast, this router plane is a valuable addition to your woodworking tool collection. Its durability, adjustable blade, and comfortable handle ensure precision and accuracy.
- Durable stainless steel body
- Adjustable blade with a screw for precise cuts
- Comfortable wooden handle for extended use
- The iron size may be too small for some specific woodworking tasks
- No additional features such as depth stops or removable fences
2. Admini Hand Router Plane
The Admini Router Plane is a high-quality woodworking tool that provides precision and accuracy.
It has an upgraded trapezoidal thread that makes it easy to adjust the depth precisely, and an 8mm wide blade that is easily adjustable.
The depth stop feature allows for accurate control of cuts, and the 7mm holes for attaching a base provide added stability and control.
This router plane is an excellent investment for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, offering ease of use and high-quality results.
Its features make it an ideal tool for any woodworking project that requires precision and accuracy.
- High configuration for precise depth adjustment
- Upgraded trapezoidal thread for easier depth adjustment
- Depth stop feature for accurate cuts
- 7mm holes for attaching the base
- No information on material or durability
- Limited information on the handle or ergonomics
3. Taytools 468334 Small Router Plane
The Taytools 468334 Small Router Plane is a durable and versatile tool, made from stress-relieved ductile cast iron and featuring a precision ground sole accurate to within 0.001 inches.
It comes with a 1/4 inch wide square blade that is ground to 25 degrees and hardened to 55-60 HRC for optimal cutting performance.
With a compact design measuring 4-1/8 x 2-1/4 inches and weighing only 8 ounces, this router plane is easy to handle and ideal for cutting grooves, dados, and tenons, as well as trimming and leveling wood surfaces.
The Taytools 468334 Small Router Plane is the perfect tool for achieving precision and accuracy in woodworking projects.
- Durable body
- Precision ground sole
- Hardened blade
- Small and lightweight design
- Small blade
- Fewer features compared to other router planes
4. Bench Dog Router Plane with Fence
The Bench Dog Router Plane with Fence is a high-quality hand tool that offers precise depth control for cutting shallow mortises, dados, and grooves.
Featuring a fine screw feed and a square blade shaft that won’t rotate, this tool ensures accurate cuts every time.
The removable fence allows for repeatable cuts, while the open-throat design offers better visibility in front of the blade.
Made from heavy ductile cast iron and weighing 2.25 pounds, the tool provides excellent stability and control.
The sapele wooden knobs offer a comfortable grip, making it ideal for extended use. Overall, this tool is perfect for woodworkers seeking precision and accuracy.
- Reversible blade for corner work
- Removable fence for repeatable dados and rabbets
- Fine screw feed for micro-adjustable depth control
- Open throat design for better visibility
- May not have as many features as other router planes
- 9.5mm blade size may not be suitable for larger cutting tasks
5. Admini Router Plane
The Admini Router Plane is a versatile hand tool that offers high-accuracy depth adjustment with its new and convenient screw nut system.
The finely polished handle ensures comfortable grip and easier control of the tool, making it flexible and efficient to use.
The 8mm wide blade is suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks, and the tool features 7mm holes for attaching a base for additional stability.
The depth stop feature allows for consistent depth when making cuts. The Admini Router Plane is a must-have for woodworkers seeking precision and accuracy in cutting grooves, dados, tenons, and trimming and leveling wood surfaces.
- Extra large depth adjusting nut system for high accuracy depth adjustment
- 8mm wide blade suitable for various cutting tasks
- 7mm holes for attaching the base
- Depth stop feature
- No information provided on the material used for the body
Best Router Plane | Buying Guide
Router planes are an essential tool for woodworking that are used to flatten and shape wood surfaces.
There are a variety of router planes available in the market, each with different features and capabilities. Here is a buyer guide to help you choose the best router plane for your woodworking needs.
1. Type of Router Plane
There are two main types of router planes: hand-held router planes and bench router planes. Hand-held router planes are lightweight and easy to use for small-scale projects, while bench router planes are larger and more powerful, making them ideal for heavy-duty woodworking projects. Consider which type of router plane will best suit your needs before making a purchase.
2. Blade Size
Router planes come with blades of various sizes, typically ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 inch. The size of the blade you choose will depend on the size of the project you are working on.
For small-scale projects, a smaller blade is sufficient, while larger blades are necessary for heavy-duty projects.
3. Blade Adjustability
The adjustability of the blade is an important factor to consider when selecting a router plane. Look for a router plane with a blade that can be easily adjusted for depth and width. This will allow you to achieve precise cuts and ensure that the plane is working effectively.
4. Comfort and Ease of Use
Since router planes are handheld tools, it is important to select one that is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Look for a router plane with a comfortable grip and ergonomic design. This will make it easier to work for longer periods of time without experiencing hand fatigue or discomfort.
5. Brand and Price
Brand and price are important factors to consider when selecting a router plane. Some well-known brands include Veritas, Lie-Nielsen, and Stanley.
However, keep in mind that brand name doesn’t always equate to quality. Consider the features, functionality, and customer reviews when determining whether a router plane is worth the investment.
Conclusion
In short, when selecting a router plane, consider the type, blade size, blade adjustability, comfort and ease of use, brand, and price.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you select the best router plane for your woodworking needs.
Related: What Is a Router Plane?