A carpentry hand tool that tackles the initial preparation of rough timber, delivering reliable stock removal for workshop tasks. Craftspeople and keen hobbyists benefit from heavy, precision-milled construction combined with a 50mm high-carbon blade. Is the Spear & Jackson Carpenters No.5 Jack Plane the dependable workhorse your bench needs?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Cutting Quality: Efficient initial stock removal, ideal for dressing rough-sawn boards
- • Best for: Woodworkers preparing rough timber prior to jointing and dimensioning
- • Not ideal for: Final smoothing or delicate finish work where a low-angle plane is preferred
Cast iron body and a 50mm high-carbon steel blade suit heavy-duty planing tasks. Precision-milled base and faces help keep the sole flat for consistent passes.
Rapid stock removal – thanks to a 50mm high-carbon steel blade
The 50mm high-carbon blade takes substantial shavings and sharpens to a keen edge, suitable for repeated resharpening. Blade width helps cover more surface per pass during roughing-out.
Quicker reduction of thickness and flattening of rough boards, cutting down prep time before finer tools are used.
Stable, consistent passes – with a cast iron body and precision-milled sole
Cast iron mass adds momentum to the stroke while precision-milled base and faces ensure the sole remains flat and true. Flat seating keeps blade alignment steady across the workpiece.
Fewer catches and more even results across long boards, so less time spent correcting uneven areas.
Controlled setup and adjustment – with a brass adjusting screw
Brass adjusting screw allows incremental depth changes and secure blade positioning after a light setup. Milled reference faces support repeatable alignment during reassembly.
Fast to dial in for reliable cutting performance, making the plane ready for regular workshop use after minimal tuning.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Spear & Jackson Carpenters No.5 Jack Plane
- Cast-iron body – Maintains momentum for smoother passes through rough timber
- 50mm high-carbon blade – Removes substantial shavings for faster stock reduction work
- Precision-milled sole – Ensures flat contact for consistent, repeatable planing passes
- Brass adjusting screw – Allows fine depth settings for precise cutting control
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Lawn & Patio
- Brand: Spear & Jackson
- Model: CJP5 Carpenters No.5 Jack Plane
- Body Material: Cast iron
- Blade: 50mm wide high carbon steel blade
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this plane suitable for preparing rough timber?
A: Yes, the description specifies it is ideal for the initial preparation of rough timber, making it well suited to that task.
Q: What is the blade made from and how wide is it?
A: A 50mm wide high carbon steel blade is fitted, offering a robust cutting edge for heavy planing work.
Q: Will it need setup before use?
A: A light setup is recommended, and user feedback notes reliable performance after minimal adjustment.
🏆 Our Verdict
The Spear & Jackson Carpenters No.5 Jack Plane suits woodworkers and hobbyists who need a robust tool for roughing out boards. Heavy cast-iron construction, a precision-milled sole and a 50mm high-carbon blade combine for dependable stock removal and consistent passes. Durable materials and straightforward adjustment deliver long-term workshop value for regular preparatory planing tasks.
