Best Hand Planes in the UK: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and Smart Tips to Save

Why hand planes still matter for UK woodworkers

If you love woodworking, you know there’s something satisfying about a perfectly smooth, silky board removed by a hand plane. Power tools have their place, but a well-tuned plane can give control and finish that a sander or planer simply can’t match. Whether you’re trimming a door by a fraction of an inch or flattening a tabletop, a hand plane is like a painter’s brush — precise, tactile, and deeply personal.

Understanding the main types of hand planes

Before you spend your hard-earned cash, it helps to know which plane does what. Think of planes as specialised tools in a kitchen drawer: you wouldn’t use a chef’s knife to peel an apple. Here’s a quick tour of the most common planes you’ll see in UK tool shops.

Smoothing planes

Smoothing planes are short — typically 8 to 10 inches long — and are used for final finishing. They take fine shavings and leave a surface ready for oil or wax. If you’re after that last bit of lustre on a tabletop, this is your go-to tool.

Jack and general-purpose planes

A jack plane, often about 14 inches, is versatile. It can do rough flattening and also handle finer passes when set up correctly. Many woodworkers buy a jack as their first full-size plane because it covers lots of tasks.

Jointer or fore planes

Jointer planes are long — commonly 22 to 24 inches — and are used to flatten boards and true edges. The length helps bridge small bumps, so repeated passes create a straight surface over a long span.

Block planes

Block planes are small and handy for trimming end grain, chamfers, and quick touch-ups. You’ll find them in sizes around 3 to 6 inches, and they’re perfect for one-handed work or tight spots.

Specialty planes

Rabbet, shoulder, and router planes are designed for specific joinery tasks. You won’t need every specialty plane at first, but spotting them in a shop can help you decide which extras will make certain jobs simpler.

Key features to examine when buying a plane

There’s more to a plane than its length. A few features make the difference between a tool you keep and one that sits in the cupboard. Here’s what I look for when browsing UK stores.

Blade steel and grind

The blade, or iron, should be made of quality steel that holds an edge. Look for planes with replaceable or easily sharpened blades. Many buyers prefer high-carbon or alloy steels because they sharpen easily and hold a keen edge longer.

Sole flatness

A flat sole is essential for accurate work. When shopping, check the sole on a straight surface for gaps. Even a small warp can make smoothing or jointing a chore. In the shop you can run a fingernail across the sole to feel any high or low spots.

Mouth adjustability

A tight mouth reduces tear-out when cutting fine shavings. Adjustable mouths are handy because you can open them for thicker cuts and close them when finishing an edge.

Weight and balance

Plane weight affects how the tool behaves. Heavier planes — often 3 to 6 pounds depending on size — carry momentum and can cut smoothly; lighter planes allow better control in tight spaces. Think about the size of projects you will do most often.

Top UK retailers to buy hand planes

Shopping around pays off. Here’s a roundup of reliable UK stores that stock hand planes, from budget options to specialist makers. I’ll highlight what each retailer does well so you can match a shop to your budget and needs.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers. They stock a decent range of entry to mid-level hand planes, often from known brands at competitive prices. If you need a budget jack or block plane and prefer fast local collection, Screwfix is a practical choice.

B&Q

B&Q is convenient and widely available, with basic hand planes suitable for hobbyists and home projects. Their selection tends toward affordable, easy-to-use models — good for someone starting out or doing occasional repairs.

Wickes

Wickes offers a practical selection of planes and woodworking accessories. Prices are friendly and their stores make it simple to compare tools side by side. For everyday DIY and garden shed kit, Wickes is worth checking out.

Toolstation

Toolstation often competes closely with Screwfix on price and availability. Their range includes solid, no-nonsense planes aimed at tradespeople, and you can usually pick items up the same day from a local branch.

Axminster Tools

If you want specialist woodworking equipment, Axminster is one of the best-known UK suppliers. Their range covers everything from traditional wooden-bodied planes to premium metal-bodied brands. They also sell plane blades, jigs, and tuning tools — a one-stop shop for committed hobbyists and professionals.

Amazon UK

Amazon’s marketplace offers variety and customer reviews, which can be handy when choosing a model. You’ll find everything from budget imports to high-end makers, and many sellers include detailed specs and images so you can compare before buying.

Homebase

Homebase covers the middle ground between DIY and hobbyist tools. Their planes are often aimed at homeowners doing renovations and small furniture repair. It’s a convenient stop if you prefer to see tools in person before purchase.

Machine Mart and Cromwell Tools

Machine Mart and Cromwell cater more to professional tool users and small workshops. They stock durable, work-hardened planes and parts, and they’re a good bet when you need a robust tool that will see heavy use.

Budget buys vs premium planes: where to compromise

Deciding between a budget plane and a premium model is often about frequency of use. If you’ll plane every weekend, investing in a quality plane is like buying a reliable car — it pays off in time and results. For occasional tasks, budget planes from Screwfix or B&Q can be perfectly adequate. Premium makers and iron-clad steel blades matter when you want consistent performance and minimal tuning out of the box.

Where to save

Save on secondary planes you won’t use often — small block planes or cheap bench planes for rough work. These are great learning tools while you figure out which styles you’ll use most.

Where to invest

Invest in at least one good smoothing or jack plane that you’ll use daily. The comfort of a refined sole and a blade that holds an edge makes the work more enjoyable and reduces time spent rehoning.

New planes vs vintage finds: the pros and cons

Buying secondhand can be like treasure hunting. I’ve found beautifully made vintage planes that only needed a little cleaning and a new blade to sing. But be warned: older irons may need rehoning, and cast iron bodies can be pitted. New planes offer warranty, modern steels, and consistent flatness right out of the box.

Where to look for vintage planes

eBay, local car-boot sales, auctions, and specialist woodworking forums are great places to find old planes. Expect to pay for restoration or replacement blades, but a restored older plane can offer excellent performance for a reasonable price.

What to check when buying used

Look for rust pitting on the sole, cracked wooden handles, and warped bodies. Surface rust is usually fixable, but deep pits on the sole will affect planing. Measure the length and check that the throat and cap iron align properly.

How to set up and tune your plane

Tuning a plane is part of the craft. A sloppy setup can make even a good plane frustrating. The good news? Basic tuning is straightforward and rewarding — it’s where craft meets craftsperson.

Flattening the sole

Use a flat reference (a slab of plate glass on a bench works well) and a coarse abrasive to flatten the sole. Work evenly across the sole until you get a consistent feel. A flat sole ensures accurate work over long boards.

Honing the blade

Sharpening the iron on sharpening stones produces the best results. Start with a coarser grit to reshape and finish on a finer grit for a mirror edge. Aim for consistent bevel geometry — many woodworkers choose angles between 25 and 30 degrees depending on the wood species.

Setting the mouth and depth

Set the mouth tight for fine shavings and open it for thicker stock removal. Adjust blade depth in small increments and test on scrap until the plane takes an even ribbon of wood. Little adjustments make big differences.

Choosing the right plane size for your projects

Size matters and it’s practical to think in terms of inches. For trimming doors and fiddly work, a 4- to 6-inch block plane gives nimbleness. For general stock removal, a 12- to 14-inch jack plane is versatile. For jointing long edges or flattening a table, reach for a 22- to 24-inch jointer plane.

Maintenance and storage tips

Store planes in a dry place and keep the blade backed off to reduce stress on the adjustment mechanisms. A light coat of wax or oil on metal surfaces helps prevent rust. If you keep planes in a toolbox, wrap them in cloth to avoid knocking the blade out of alignment.

How to get the best deals in the UK

Want to save? Watch for seasonal sales like Black Friday and Boxing Day, and sign up for retailer newsletters for exclusive discounts. Don’t overlook local trade counters — they sometimes offer trade discounts or clearance items priced far below RRP. Buying a plane body and replacing the iron with a higher-quality blade is another way to get premium performance on a budget.

Final purchasing checklist

Before you click buy or carry a plane home, use this quick checklist: confirm sole flatness, check the blade condition, test adjusters for smoothness, select a size that matches your projects, and compare prices across at least two retailers. A few minutes of comparison can save time and disappointment later.

Conclusion

Hand planes are more than tools; they’re an extension of the maker’s hand. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a seasoned woodworker, the right plane makes joinery cleaner, edges truer, and finish work smoother. In the UK you’ve got plenty of options — from national chains like Screwfix and B&Q for practical buys, to specialists like Axminster for premium gear. Armed with a little knowledge about plane types, features, and tuning, you’ll make smarter purchases and enjoy woodworking more. So, pick a plane that suits the kind of work you do, give it a good tune, and enjoy the satisfying shavings that follow.