Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low vs Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No.
Both made our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane if you want low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds. Choose the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 if you'd rather have grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box. Overall we rank the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 list.
Winner overall: Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane
Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane vs Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Mid Range |
| Brand | Stanley | Kunz |
| Key features | Low angle (12 degree bed); A2 steel iron; Adjustable mouth | Ductile iron body; O1 tool steel blade; Precision ground sole |
| Biggest strength | Low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds | Grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box |
| Main trade-off | High price for a first plane | Less brand recognition in the US than Stanley |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane if…
- Low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds
- A2 steel iron holds an edge longer than the softer steel in budget Stanley planes
- Adjustable mouth allows closing the opening for fine shaving cuts or opening for heavy removal
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 section.
#2 pick · Best Mid Range
Choose the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 if…
- Grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box
- Precision-ground sole handles final surface preparation and glue line cleanup
- Stable, chatter-free foundation for demanding smoothing work
Prefer the alternative? See the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane section.
Pros and cons of each
Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane
Pros
- Low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds
- A2 steel iron holds an edge longer than the softer steel in budget Stanley planes
- Adjustable mouth allows closing the opening for fine shaving cuts or opening for heavy removal
- One of the most commonly recommended single planes for woodworking beginners
Cons
- High price for a first plane
- Low angle planes require a sharpened bevel angle higher than standard to compensate
Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4
Pros
- Grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box
- Precision-ground sole handles final surface preparation and glue line cleanup
- Stable, chatter-free foundation for demanding smoothing work
- Better fit and finish than comparable price points from generic import brands
Cons
- Less brand recognition in the US than Stanley
- Replacement parts less widely stocked than Stanley-pattern parts
Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane vs Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4: common questions
Which is better, the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane or the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4?
Choose the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane if you want low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds. Choose the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 if you'd rather have grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box. Overall we rank the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane and the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4?
The Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane stands out because low angle bed cuts difficult grain (end grain, reversing grain) more cleanly than standard 45-degree beds, while the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 stands out because grey cast iron body machined and ground for flatness -- minimal lapping needed out of the box. The trade-offs differ too: the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane's main caveat is that high price for a first plane, and the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4's is that less brand recognition in the US than Stanley.
Is the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane worth it over the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 instead if high price for a first plane is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 instead of the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane?
The Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane is best for buyers who want the best overall package.