If you're new to hand tool woodworking, the sheer variety of hand planes on the market can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common types you'll encounter are the block plane and the bench plane — and while they might look similar at first glance, they serve quite different purposes.
This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which one deserves a place in your workshop first. For a full overview of all plane types, see our Hand Planes Explained guide.
What Is a Block Plane?
A block plane is a small, compact plane designed to be used with one hand. It typically measures around 150–180mm in length and fits comfortably in the palm. The blade (iron) sits at a low angle — usually around 20° — with the bevel facing up, which makes it particularly effective for end grain work.
Block planes are ideal for:
- Trimming end grain cleanly
- Chamfering and easing sharp edges
- Fine fitting of joints and components
- Quick, one-handed tasks around the bench
- Working in tight spaces
Popular models include the Stanley No. 60½, the Veritas Low Angle Block Plane, and the Lie-Nielsen 60½ — all excellent choices at different price points.
What Is a Bench Plane?
Bench planes are the workhorses of hand tool woodworking. Larger and heavier than block planes, they are designed to be used with two hands and are built for flattening, smoothing, and truing larger surfaces and edges. The iron sits bevel-down at around 45°, which suits long-grain work particularly well.
Bench planes are numbered by size, with the most common being:
- No. 4 Smoothing Plane — the go-to for final surface preparation before finishing
- No. 5 Jack Plane — a versatile all-rounder for stock removal and rough dimensioning
- No. 6 Fore Plane / No. 7 Jointer Plane — longer planes for flattening boards and truing edges for glue-ups
Bench planes are ideal for:
- Flattening and smoothing wide boards
- Truing long edges for jointing
- Removing mill marks and machine marks
- Dimensioning rough timber
- Final surface preparation before finishing
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Block Plane | Bench Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (one hand) | Medium to large (two hands) |
| Blade angle | Low (~20°) bevel up | Standard (~45°) bevel down |
| Best for | End grain, edges, chamfers | Long grain, flattening, smoothing |
| Typical use | Detail and fitting work | Primary stock preparation |
| Price range | £30–£150+ | £40–£300+ |
Which Should You Buy First?
This depends on the type of work you're doing, but here's a practical guide:
Buy a block plane first if:
- You primarily work with power tools and want a hand plane for fine-tuning and fitting
- You do a lot of joinery, cabinet making, or furniture work where edge and end grain trimming is frequent
- You want a versatile, portable plane that earns its keep on almost every project
- You're on a tighter budget — a good block plane costs less than a quality bench plane
Buy a bench plane first if:
- You want to work timber by hand from rough stock
- You're interested in hand tool woodworking as a primary method, not just a supplement
- You're building furniture or larger pieces where surface preparation is critical
- You want the satisfaction of producing a hand-planed surface straight from the tool
Our recommendation: For most beginners, a No. 4 smoothing plane is the single most useful first bench plane — it's versatile, manageable in size, and produces beautiful results on long grain. Pair it with a block plane once your confidence grows, and you'll have the two most-used planes in any hand tool workshop covered. See our Best Hand Planes for Beginners guide for specific model recommendations.
Do You Need Both?
Honestly? Yes — eventually. The block plane and bench plane complement each other rather than compete. Most experienced woodworkers reach for their block plane dozens of times a day for small tasks, while their bench plane handles the heavier preparation work. They're not interchangeable, and owning both opens up a much wider range of hand tool techniques.
What to Look for When Buying
Regardless of which you choose first, look for:
- A flat sole — essential for accurate work; check this before buying secondhand
- Good quality steel — the iron should hold an edge well and sharpen easily
- Solid construction — no wobble in the frog or blade assembly
- Comfortable handles — you'll be using this for hours; ergonomics matter
Keeping Your Plane Sharp and in Top Condition
Whichever plane you choose, a sharp iron and regular maintenance are what keep it cutting cleanly. Read our step-by-step How to Sharpen a Hand Plane Iron guide and our Hand Plane Maintenance guide for everything you need to know.
Final Thoughts
Both the block plane and bench plane are essential tools in any hand tool workshop — it's really a question of which one you need first based on your current projects.
Start with the one that solves your most immediate problem, learn to sharpen and set it well, and you'll quickly understand why hand planes are so beloved by woodworkers the world over.
Browse the Cherry Tree Tools range of hand planes to find the right plane for your workshop — from beginner-friendly options to premium tools built to last a lifetime.