5 Best Shoulder Plane (Is It Worth It) in 2023

By / February 5, 2023

It’s not easy working with a woodworking tool. Especially when you’re trying to trim and adjust the shoulder joints, things could get complicated. But, here’s where the shoulder planes come in. 

These tools make it easier at trimming the shoulder joints. And, they even allow you to work at the rabbets and tenons. Furthermore, these tools can even allow cutting the length and width of the tool. Making the tools larger if needed. 

But, there are quite some options on the market. So, we’ve researched for a while and brought out the best shoulder plane on our list. Here, you can easily put your bets on the tool as they’ll smoothly perform every task. 

And, in the latter part of the guide, we’ve added some key info points that’ll help at every step always. So, without any stops, let’s begin with the list-

1. Woodstock D3752 Shoulder Plane

Woodstock D3752 Shoulder Plane

  • Dimension: 7.8 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches
  • Weight: 2.35 pounds
  • Sole width: 1-3/32″ Wide
  • Plane Length: 6-Inch

Behold! Our best product on the list- Woodstock D3752 Shoulder Plane. And, without any doubt, this product comes with a battle of numbers! This means all the high-end specs piled up inside one product. 

Do you want a larger shoulder plane? Or, do you want a product with heavy performance? Guess what? This product has it all. So, let’s break everything down- 

First things first, the product comes in a 3-in-1 Style. So, you’d get versatility with this product. 

Here, the 3-in-1 style means you can use the product as a shoulder plane, bull plane, chisel plane. Hence, you have all the options you’ll need. 

So, let’s talk about this product as a “bull nose plane”. It comes with a 1-3/32″ wide sole. Plus, it comes with a larger length of 6-Inches. This means you can fine-tune the tenon joints and the shoulders with this tool. 

Other than that, you can adjust and tweak the shoulder plane in every way if you have to. So, the full plane can be removed easily for sharpening. And, you can set it up easily as well using a knurled adjustment screw. 

On top of that, the low-angled shoulder plane is easier to work with and set up too. And, you can easily convert this tool into a chisel plane or a bullnose plane with a simple modification. 

In the end, the product is reasonably priced and works well with shoulder joints easily. So, if you loved all the features of this product then give it a try for yourself. 

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2. WoodRiver No 91 Shoulder Plane

WoodRiver No 91 Shoulder Plane

  • Dimension: 7.5 x 3 x 1.25 inches
  • Weight: 14.4 Ounces
  • Plane Length: 6-1/2″
  • Plane Height: 2-3/8″
  • Bedded Angle: 15°
  • Blade Angle: 25°

Runners Up Time! To be frank, it was a hard decision. After all, we aligned the best of the best against one another. In the end, this product lacked some key features compared to the previous one. 

But, it does arrive with a smaller length and width. And, the steel construction takes durability to another level. More on that and other features below- 

First off, let’s talk about the selling point of this shoulder plane. And, that’s the robust steel construction. Here, the plane is made of hardened steel. 

Added to that, it has an Mn65 steel blade that’s hardened into an HRC60-64. If you’re unaware of what that means, it’s durable and hard enough. 

As a result, you’d get solid and tough equipment for working. Another benefit of this steel is that the steel is completely stress-relieved. So, it maintains flexibility almost all the time. 

Enough of the construction, it’s time for the design and shape of this shoulder plane. Now, it’s just a bit larger than the previous product. That said, it’s still not that large, to begin with. 

In fact, the plane is designed with a combination of Son’s plane and classic “Edward Preston” design. So, there’s an old-school touch with modern features. 

Among the modern features, this shoulder plane comes with adjustable toes. By using this feature, you can easily control the throat’s opening. So, you have a bit of control over the shoulder plane. 

And, this feature reduces the tear-out risk when you’re working on the grain. Hence, the shoulder plane maintains maximum control. 

Now, let’s talk about the blade of this plane. Since that’ll be the main thing of consideration. As we’ve mentioned already, the blade works the best due to its added durability all the time. 

Plus, the hard blades ensure precise and sharp cuts. Also, the plane’s blade advancement mechanism is precise and smooth too. So, it does add up to the overall smooth functionality. 

As a result, the 91 is perfect when working on rabbets, dados, and tenon cleaning. 

To summarize, the product is one of my personal favorites. And, it’s perfect for tenons, rabbets, and dados as it comes with a hardened blade. Moreover, the durable body promotes the longevity and toughness of this product. 

And, the square sides and precision machining makes it one of the best this list has to offer. 

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3. Shop Fox D3751 Shoulder Plane

Shop Fox D3751 Shoulder Plane

  • Dimension: 6 x 2 x 1 inches
  • Weight: 1.25 pounds
  • Plane Width: 3/4 Wide
  • Plane Length: 5-Inch

Woodworking tools can be expensive at times! But, if you’re looking for something mid-range then this could be the one. Here, the product does arrive at an affordable range with notable features. So, let’s begin- 

Starting off, let’s talk about the length of this shoulder plane. It comes in just 5-Inch length, which is the smallest on the list. So, it’ll work well with most projects. 

Another thing to focus on is the construction of this shoulder plane. Even though it’s just a smaller product, it’s made of iron. This means the durability and toughness are always intact in this product. 

Similar to the previous option, this product has throat adjustment as well. And, the best part is that you can adjust the throats yourself by working on the internal screw set. Also, the knurled thumb screw helps you with the iron adjustment. 

Besides, this product allows you subtle tweaking and adjustments all the time. That said, the toe section of this plane can be removed as well. As you remove it, you have the ability to use this plane like chisel planes. 

In the end, the sharp blades allow the plane to work great on the shoulders. So, you can easily trim it. And, the iron body makes sure the product is always durable and tough. 

Lastly, the product does arrive at a middle-ranged price. So, if you want to save up some cash and use this tool occasionally then invest in this option. Pretty sure you won’t be disappointed as this product has a lot to offer. 

Check Price On Amazon

4. Faithfull Shoulder Bullnose Plane

Faithfull Shoulder Bullnose Plane

  • Dimension: 3.7 x 8.19 x 1.42 inches
  • Weight: 2.44 pounds
  • Plane Length: 5.9-Inch
  • Plane Width/Sole: 1-Inch Wide

Say hello to the most expensive option on this list. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, this tool has you covered at all times. So, let’s check out what it brings to the table- 

As this product comes with a premium price tag, you’d expect it to be one of the best in this business. And, fairly enough, it does have a lot of benefits. 

To start off, it provides heavy performance all the time. Here, the product comes in a 3-in-1 lower plane angle. So, you can set the product accordingly and it comes with tremendous versatility. 

On the functions of this product, there’s a front fitted extension, bullnose plane, and even a chisel plane. And, you can set adjustments like removing the nose, using a smaller nose easily. 

Similar to the previous product, it works with the adjustment screw well enough. So, it works well at trimming the shoulders if you want to. 

But, now, comes the interesting part. As this product has been right up there in the leaderboard due to the price offer, let’s show a bit of the drawback. 

We’d normally not nitpick much if this product had a medium price range offering. But, since, it comes with a premium price, let’s break it down. 

First off, the blade adjustment of this product isn’t smooth at all. It’s a bit stiffer. Here, the main culprit is the rotating wheels. As it doesn’t rotate evenly at times, the adjustment tends to get stiff. 

Apart from this, the shoulder plane comes with added toughness and works well on trimming the shoulders. The sharper blades make it easier at work. 

So, if you’re looking to invest in a premium product with a huge price tag, this is the one for you. But, you might want to reconsider if you’re looking for a budget option as this won’t be the one. 

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5. Grizzly Industrial T10266 Shoulder Plane

Grizzly Industrial T10266 Shoulder Plane

  • Dimension: 4.25 x 7.71 x 1.41 inches
  • Weight: 1.76 ounces
  • Blade Size: 1” Wide
  • Plane Length: 5.9-Inch

Presenting the last product of this list- Grizzly Industrial T10266 Shoulder Plane. Now, compared to all the other products on this list, this is the most affordable option. 

But, just because it’s cheap and affordable, doesn’t mean it doesn’t possess the necessary benefits at all. So, let’s check out what kind of features it brings with it- 

Starting off, the shoulder plane comes with a dark yet beautiful ebony body. So, in terms of aesthetics, this plane looks wonderful. However, the flat profile of this plane makes it easier to work with as it’ll fit the hands well. 

To be precise, the flat profile of this plane makes it easier at fitting the hands well in the pull position. So, it’ll fit in your hands well and allow you to work easily. 

Speaking of easy work, the plane comes at a weight of just 1.76 ounces that is the lowest on the list as well. So, it’s termed as the lightest shoulder plane on the list. Here, the lightweight feature makes it easier to work as well. 

Now, coming to the topic of the blade, it comes with a 1” Wider blade. This means you can easily work on trimming the tenon shoulders all the time. As a result of this, the shoulder plane allows precision trimming. 

On top of that, it even makes it easier at working with the precision joints and allows making rebates. So, it’ll be easier to work using this woodworking tool. 

In the end, if you want to save up some cash and still trim the shoulders then give this option a look. Here, there are a lot of benefits. But, it does lack some key points if you’re expecting a durable option. 

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Shoulder Plane: What to Expect? 

best shoulder plane

So, you’re done with the review section. First of all, congratulations on ending it because that was a rollercoaster of emotions. Now that you’ve finally finished it, what to expect from these tools?

Yeah, we know what these do. In case, you have a minimal idea about how these tools function, we’ve got you covered. Let’s begin then- 

Basically, shoulder planes are woodworking tools. Anyone can use them as they’re pretty easy to work with. This means, carpenters, joiners, and even homeowners can work with these tools. 

The general function these tools cover is the trimming of the tenon faces and shoulders. So, what’s a shoulder, you may ask? 

Well, the wooden surface perpendicular on the edge is termed as the shoulder in woodworking. 

As it comes with a simple design, you can even trim on the edges if you want to. This provides precise work all the time. But, it’s not about trimming the edges only. These tools can even work at the end of grains and rabbets.

Shoulder Plane Vs Bullnose Plane

As they’re both tools used in woodworking, many wonder about the differences between them. Now, let me tell you something, these tools have differences in them. And, what are they? Let’s find out- 

Firstly, let’s talk about the shoulder plane. Here, these tools work at the shoulders and tenons. And, you can trim up to the edges of the shoulders using these tools. 

On the other hand, the bullnose planes look quite similar to the shoulder planes. But, since it lacks a nose, it won’t do well with the shoulder joints in any way possible. 

That said, you can use this plane at getting closer to the rebate end edge if you want. But, these two tools work differently from each other. 

Shoulder planes go closer to the edges and trim as they have a nose. Whereas, the bullnose can’t do that as their design doesn’t even have a nose, to begin with. 

Shoulder Plane Vs Rabbet Plane

Even though both of these are woodworking tools, they function quite differently. Here, the shoulder plane has a basic structure with a nose. This allows the tool to come closer to the edges and trim them off. 

On the other hand, rebate planes don’t work like that. These tools allow large chunks of wood to be cut off. And, they can easily take off large amounts at a faster pace. 

That said, these tools work well on long grains. Whereas, the shoulder planes work on thinner woods compared to the rabbet planes. 

When compared to the construction, shoulder planes have a more acute angle than the rabbet plane. 

So, these were the differences between these two woodworking tools. 

Sharpening Shoulder Plane Blades: Is It Needed? 

Now, if you aren’t aware of this, you’ll need to sharpen the blades of a shoulder plane time-to-time. But, why? Well, sharpening of the blades means that the tool will function and bring out the best of abilities always. 

Plus, no one wants to work with dull shaded blades at any time, right? So, it’s highly essential that you do it and keep an eye out for dull blades. 

When sharpening shoulder plane blades, it’s important to have some early considerations. First off, you’ll need to observe all the time if you’re overheating the blades or not. 

As you overheat these blades, you can cause damage to it. And, you certainly don’t want that, right? 

That said, what tools do you need for sharpening the blades- you might think? Well, it’s nothing. You’ll just need a water stone of fine grade and that’ll be it. 

Just ensure that you’re not overheating the blades and that’ll be all. As you sharpen these blades, they’ll perform to the best of their abilities all the time. 

Now, as you’ve done sharpening these blades, it’s important that you keep the blades clean as well. Unclean blades can cause dullness as well and take the shine off. So, it’s important to maintain the blades. 

Shoulder Plane Blade Angle

Shoulder plane blades need to have an angle set up at 15°-20°. Normally, you’d need to work with a shoulder plane on a bevel-up configuration. So, you’ll need to set the blade’s body at this specific angle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Which is the main purpose of a shoulder plane? 

Answer: Generally, shoulder planes are used at trimming the faces and shoulders of the tenons. You can use the shoulder plane in trimming the concave corners where two pieces of wood meet. 

Question: What could be the difference between a rabbet plane and a shoulder plane? 

Answer: The main difference is that shoulder planes are used at trimming faces and shoulders of tenons. Whereas, the rabbet planes are used for cutting the rabbets. Using rabbet planes allows you to cut across the grains. And, shoulder planes work at cutting concave corners.

Question: Are shoulder planes expensive? 

Answer: Yes, shoulder planes are pretty expensive. This is because they require more machining and have more metal. Plus, they’re less in numbers when compared to the bench planes. So, they’re pretty unique as well. 

Question: Do you really need a shoulder plane?

Answer: Yes, having a shoulder plane helps a lot at cutting corners and making work easier. 

Question: Is it possible to use a shoulder plane as a rabbet plane? 

Answer: Yes, it’s possible to use a shoulder plane as a rabbet plane. As they both have a similar structure, you can use them to perform similar tasks. That said, the shoulder plane has more versatility and can be used on other tasks as well. 

Final Words

So, folks. That’s all the information we’ve kept in our treasure box for you. By reading all of them, you’d know everything about the best shoulder plane. 

Other than that, the list contains the 5 best products to choose from. So, why don’t you give all of them a try and see what suits you? And, if that’s not possible then check out their features in order to get clarity. 

In the end, we’d want you to get the best in the business, by all means. So, good luck on that journey! Bye for now! 

Kevin Smith
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