Jack Plane – Standard with corrugated base

The standard jack plane with a corrugated base is a variation of the classic jack plane, designed for specific situations. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and how it differs from the standard version:

• Standard Jack Plane Features: It retains the core functionalities of a jack plane, including versatility for roughing, dimensioning, and smoothing wood in preparation for various projects. It typically has a cast iron body, a medium-width blade (1.25-2.25 inches) for good material removal, and adjustable blade angle/depth.

• Corrugated Base: This is the key difference. The sole of the plane, instead of being flat, has a corrugated or ribbed pattern. This design offers some advantages and disadvantages:

  • Reduced Friction: The corrugations help reduce friction between the plane’s base and the wood surface, especially beneficial when working with:

    • Damp Wood: Moisture can cause the plane to stick, making it harder to push. The corrugations help prevent this.
    • Resinous Woods: Certain woods release resin, which can create a sticky surface. The corrugations help the plane glide more smoothly.

  • Potential Drawbacks:

    • Uneven Finish: The corrugations might leave slight marks on the wood surface, especially noticeable on very smooth or softwoods. For a truly polished finish, a standard jack plane or smoother plane might be preferable.
    • Limited on Edges and Corners: The corrugations can make it more challenging to work precisely on edges or corners, where a flat base offers more control.