Best Router Planes
Router planes are are an essential tool for woodworkers that prefer the feel and control of old school hand tools, providing precision and control in cutting dados, tenons, and other joints. Unlike traditional routers, which typically use spinning bits, router planes feature a flat base with a cutting blade extending through it, allowing for controlled depth adjustment and smooth, clean cuts. Here are the top five router planes on the market, each offering unique features and benefits to woodworkers of all skill levels.
Veritas Router Plane
Veritas Large Router Plane
The Veritas Router Plane stands out for its exceptional build quality and versatility. Its finely machined, ductile cast iron body ensures stability and durability, while the blade adjusts easily for precise depth control. The comfortable wooden handles provide excellent grip and control during use. With a wide range of available accessories, including various blade shapes and fence attachments, the Veritas Router Plane offers unparalleled versatility for a variety of woodworking tasks.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Precise depth adjustment
- Comfortable wooden handles
- Wide range of available accessories
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some other models
Price: $299 at Lee Valley
LIE Nielsen Large router Plane
The Lie-Nielsen Large Router Plane is renowned for its robust construction and superb performance. Made from high-quality bronze and steel, this router plane offers exceptional durability and stability. The large, knurled adjustment knob allows for easy depth control, while the generously sized base provides excellent stability during use. While slightly heavier than some other models, the Lie-Nielsen Large Router Plane excels in heavy-duty tasks and is a favorite among professional woodworkers.
Pros:
- Robust construction
- Easy depth control
- Generously sized base for stability
- Suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other models
- Higher price point
Price: $335 at Lie Nielsen
Stanley No. 71 Router Plane (vintage)
The Stanley No. 71 Router Plane is a classic option beloved by woodworkers for its simplicity and effectiveness. Featuring a cast iron body and a comfortable rosewood handle, this router plane offers solid performance at an affordable price point. While lacking some of the bells and whistles of more modern models, the Stanley No. 71 excels in basic routing tasks and is an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid cast iron construction
- Comfortable rosewood handle
Cons:
- Only available used
- Limited features compared to more modern models
- May require additional tuning for optimal performance
Price: $99
TAYTOOLS #71 Full SIze Router Plane
This router plane is modeled after the vintage Stanley No. 71 which was in production from 1884 until 1974. It is the perfect tool for refining dados, rabbets and tenons, and for cutting shallow mortises for hardware, inlays or any task requiring precise depth control.
Pros:
- Lower cost than other premium models
- Classic #71 design
- Included fence for more planing options
Cons:
- Not quite the quality of the original
- Tooling may need a fair amount of time spent sharpening and honing blade
Price: $99
Cowryman Router Plane
The Cowryman Router Plane is a lower cost option for those looking to get into a tool with a limited budget. Featuring a stainless steel body and tall comfortabe handles, this router plane offers solid performance at an affordable price point. While lacking some of the bells and whistles of more modern models, the Cowryman takes basic routing tasks and is an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Stainless steel will not rust
- Tall handles
Cons:
- Lower quality tooling
- Small body
- Limited adjustability
Price: $89