Carpentry hand tool for smoothing timber, promising flat, accurate finishes for joinery. Clean, ready-to-finish surfaces reduce sanding time and give confidence to careful woodworkers, featuring Spear & Jackson Carpenters No.4 Smoothing Plane. Does the plane justify the sharpening and set-up required for the best results?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Cutting Quality: Fine, consistent shavings suitable for cabinet work and general joinery
- • Best for: Woodworkers and joiners needing a precision smoothing plane for finish work
- • Not ideal for: Rapid stock removal or rough carpentry on large timbers
Cast iron body and precision-milled base and faces keep the sole flat for accurate planing. A 50mm high carbon steel blade with a brass adjusting screw supports repeatable finishing passes.
Smooth, flat finishes, with precision-milled base and faces
Precision milling of the sole and faces produces a true, flat reference surface that keeps the blade parallel to the wood. A flat sole avoids chatter and variation in shaving thickness during long passes.
Consistent, glassy surfaces are easier to glue and finish, reducing time spent sanding and correcting edges.
Stable handling, with a cast iron body
The cast iron body adds mass and rigidity, damping vibration during planing and maintaining blade alignment under load. Extra weight helps the plane stay seated in the cut for even shavings.
Heavier, steadier action produces smoother results and feels more controlled when working on fine cabinetry.
Long-lasting edge, with a 50mm high carbon steel blade and brass adjuster
High carbon steel accepts a keen cutting angle and can be hardened for good edge retention, while the brass adjusting screw enables fine depth control of the blade. Accurate adjustment reduces the need for constant re-setting.
Sharp, well-set blades keep cutting performance between hone sessions, delivering neat finishing passes once sharpened and set up.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Spear & Jackson Carpenters No.4 Smoothing Plane
- Cast iron body - Reduces vibration for smoother, more consistent planing results
- Precision-milled sole and faces - Keeps the sole true for repeatable shaving thickness
- 50mm high carbon steel blade - Retains a keen edge after careful sharpening
- Brass adjusting screw - Allows controlled blade depth changes for precise finishing passes
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Material: Cast iron body
- Sole/faces: Precision milled for flatness
- Blade width: 50mm
- Blade material: High carbon steel
- Adjusting mechanism: Brass adjusting screw
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this plane suitable for cabinet making?
A: Yes, the description lists the plane as ideal for cabinet work and general joinery, making it suitable for fine finishing tasks.
Q: What is the blade made from and how wide is it?
A: A 50mm wide high carbon steel blade is specified, which allows a fine edge and good potential for edge retention after sharpening.
Q: How is blade adjustment handled?
A: Blade depth is adjusted using a brass adjusting screw, allowing controlled, fine changes to cutting depth.
🏆 Our Verdict
Best suited to woodworkers and joiners who need a dedicated smoothing plane for finish work. Durable cast iron construction, a precision-milled sole and a 50mm high-carbon blade combine for reliable edge retention and consistent results once sharpened and set up. Strong build and straightforward adjustment make the plane a practical long-term tool for careful finishing.
