BUSY BEE #5 1/2 JACK PLANE

Busy Bee Tools No. 5-1/2 Jack Plane

Bring versatility, control, and added mass to your hand-tool woodworking with the Busy Bee Tools No. 5-1/2 Jack Plane. Larger and wider than a traditional No. 5 jack plane, this model offers extra heft for woodworkers who prefer a more substantial plane when removing material, flattening boards, and bringing workpieces to final dimensions.

Its 15 in. length and 2-7/8 in. width make it well suited for flattening the face of a board before thicknessing, while the 2-3/8 in. blade covers more surface with each pass. It can also be used for dimensioning parts and accurately trimming end grain when paired with a shooting board.

Modelled after the original Stanley No. 5-1/2, the plane features a ductile iron body with a ground-flat sole for stable contact with the workpiece. The sapele handle and front knob are oil finished for a comfortable grip and dependable control during use.

Separate blade adjustments allow the cutting iron to be advanced or retracted for depth of cut, then shifted from side to side to centre the cutting edge. The O1 steel blade is hardened to 58-62 HRC for fine edge performance, while the CRCA chip breaker helps control shavings and reduce tear-out.

The plane comes in a foam-lined decorative storage box with a user and care manual.

Features

• Larger and wider than a traditional No. 5 jack plane
• Added weight supports controlled material removal
• Suitable for flattening, dimensioning, smoothing, and general bench work
• Can be used to flatten boards up to 20 in. wide
• Suitable for accurate end-grain shooting with a shooting board
• Ductile iron body provides strength and durability
• Sole is ground flat for stable contact with the workpiece
• 2-3/8 in. wide blade removes material efficiently
• O1 steel blade takes a fine cutting edge
• Blade is hardened to 58-62 HRC
• CRCA chip breaker helps reduce tear-out
• Separate depth and lateral blade adjustments
• Oil-finished sapele handle and knob provide comfortable control
• Foam-lined storage box protects the plane between uses
• Backed by a 1-year warranty

Specifications

• Plane type: No. 5-1/2 jack plane
• Plane length: 15 in.
• Plane width: 2-7/8 in.
• Blade width: 2-3/8 in.
• Blade material: O1 steel
• Blade hardness: 58-62 HRC
• Body material: Ductile iron
• Chip breaker material: CRCA
• Handle and knob material: Sapele
• Handle finish: Oil finished
• Warranty: 1 year

Comes With

• No. 5-1/2 jack plane
• Foam-lined decorative storage box
• User and care manual

FAQ

What is a No. 5-1/2 jack plane used for?

It is a versatile bench plane used for removing material, flattening board faces, dimensioning parts, and trimming end grain with a shooting board.

How does the No. 5-1/2 differ from a standard No. 5 jack plane?

The No. 5-1/2 has a wider body and blade, along with additional weight. This provides a broader cutting path and a more substantial feel during use.

What is the blade made from?

The blade is made from O1 steel and hardened to 58-62 HRC.

How wide is the blade?

The blade measures 2-3/8 in. wide.

Can this plane be used with a shooting board?

Yes. It can be used with a suitable shooting board for accurate end-grain trimming.

How is the blade adjusted?

One adjuster advances or retracts the blade to control cutting depth, while a separate lateral adjuster shifts the blade from side to side to centre the cut.

What does the chip breaker do?

The CRCA chip breaker helps control the shaving as it is cut, reducing the likelihood of tear-out.

Does the plane include a storage case?

Yes. It comes in a foam-lined decorative box that can be used for safe storage.

What warranty is included?

The plane is backed by a 1-year warranty.

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