Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane

Some woodworking tools are “must-have,” others are just fun to have. A low-angle block plane like the Jorgensen plane I reviewed in the November 2024 issue easily makes the must-have tool list. The corner easing plane reviewed here is probably optional. Nevertheless, inspired by the quality of my Jorgensen low-angle block plane, I bought this plane as well—I’m glad I did.

In boat construction and, indeed, most woodworking projects, edges should be “friendly,” or slightly rounded. On furniture and cabinet work an eased edge is less prone to damage and has a more finished look. In boats, soft rounded edges are easier to live with in the confines of a small space. On all projects, “breaking” the edge of a board allows a finish to adhere well and, as a result, be less prone to wear.

Photographs by the author

The knurled adjustment wheel is conveniently placed and sized. Its movement is both smooth and precise so that the operator can fine-tune the depth of cut.

The Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane 70748 is a solid chunk of tool. It weighs 16 oz, heavy enough to have some momentum when making cuts but not so heavy that it’s tiring to use. The body is made from high-grade aluminum painted Jorgensen’s signature orange, and measures 6 1⁄2″ long, 2 3⁄8″ tall, and 1″ wide. It comes with four hardened 01 steel cutters: three for round-over cuts, and one straight cutter for making 45° chamfers. The round-over profiles are 1⁄8″, 3⁄16″, and 1⁄4″. All the blades come very sharp, and none required any touchup to the edges before I used them. When the 3⁄16″ blade became dull after extended use, it was easy to bring the edge back up simply by polishing its back.

The molded plastic handpiece is comfortable in the hand and lifts to reveal a storage compartment for three cutters.

The action of the knurled adjustment wheel in the body of the plane is precise and smooth and moves the blade in or out so that the user can fine-tune the depth of cut. There is a threaded hole in the end of each cutter that accepts a threaded screw on the adjustment wheel. Turning the wheel counterclockwise lowers the cutter, which can eventually be removed so another can be installed. The feature allows for easy use and precise adjustments and is, in my experience, a unique setup.

The Jorgensen plane weighs 16 oz, heavy enough to have some momentum but not so heavy to be tiring when used. The four cutters offer three radius profiles and a straight edge for producing a 45° chamfer.

Fit and finish on the cutters and tool as a whole are fine, and the unpainted V-shaped steel sole is nicely polished. The plastic piece at the rear of the tool is ergonomically shaped to fit the palm of your hand comfortably when using the plane. It’s a nice detail, being softer than the aluminum body, and it holds a surprise: hinged at the top, it lifts to reveal a storage compartment for the three cutters not in use.

Wood edges can be eased in several ways: shaped with a block plane and sanded to the final shape; addressed with sandpaper alone; or shaped with the correct round-over bit chucked into a router. The Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane creates a more uniform finish than either a block plane or sandpaper and is much more pleasant to use than even a small router. I’m pleased I’ve added this plane to my kit.

Bill Thomas has been a custom woodworker, designer, boatbuilder, and teacher for more than 40 years. He lives and works in South Berwick, Maine.

Purchasing options for the Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane can be found on the Jorgensen website.

Is there a product that might be useful for boatbuilding, cruising, or shore-side camping that you’d like us to review? Please email your suggestions.