For most woodworkers, a full-size, depth-controlled router plane is the first purchase. It handles mortises, hinge gains, inlay and door locks, and its depth stop lets you return to the same floor depth on every recess. Add a small router plane when the work is shallow or cramped, and consider a vintage Stanley No. 71 or Record No. 071 only if you are comfortable judging a cutter’s condition. No single model is best for every job, so this guide compares the options by size, throat style, support, cutter fit and buying conditions rather than ranking them by hands-on testing. The specifications come from manufacturer product pages, Stanley’s official support documentation, a retailer listing and a woodworking buying guide. Prices and stock change often, so the figures below are the values those pages displayed in 2026 unless noted.
What a router plane does
A router plane levels the floor of a recess to a controlled depth. You mark the boundaries and remove most of the waste first, then use the plane to clean and flatten the bottom. Lie-Nielsen lists mortises, tenons, hinge gains, inlay and door locks as typical uses, and the Taytools listing adds dados and rabbets. These are the makers’ and retailer’s descriptions of use, not independent performance tests.
Four settings that decide which plane suits you
- Size. Lie-Nielsen describes its full-size No. 71 as a general-purpose format for depth-controlled work. Its small No. 271 is described for shallow mortises, relief cuts, narrow edges and tight spaces.
- Throat style. An open throat gives you visibility ahead of the blade, which helps with inlay. A closed throat supports the wood in front of the blade, which helps on board edges and stopped grooves.
- Fence. The fence guides the plane along a straight or curved edge. Lie-Nielsen’s large plane has a reversible, relocatable fence.
- Depth stop. The depth stop limits how far the cutter can advance. Lie-Nielsen describes setting it with shims and then advancing the blade until the stop engages. The fence controls direction and the depth stop controls depth, so check whether a depth stop is included or sold as an option; on the small No. 271 it is optional.
The five options compared
The table lists what each maker or seller published. Cells marked “not stated” are details the sources we checked did not provide.
| Model | Body and size | Notable features | Price and availability (as displayed in 2026) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lie-Nielsen No. 71 (large) | 8-1/4 × 3-1/2 × 3-3/4 inches; 1.65 pounds; iron body | Brass depth stop, stainless adjuster, reversible and relocatable fence, open or closed throat options | $250 displayed; page showed “This product is not available” | General-purpose depth-controlled work |
| Lie-Nielsen No. 271 (small) | 4 × 2 inches; 0.55 pounds; iron body | Optional depth stop; optional 3/32-inch and pointed cutters | $95 displayed; page showed unavailable | Shallow mortises, relief cuts, tight spaces |
| Veritas router planes | Ductile cast-iron body; flat sole on regular and medium models, lapped sole on the small model | Blade positioned inboard for closed-throat work or outboard for bullnose work (maker description) | Not stated; the current model lineup and prices could not be confirmed for this guide | Buyers who want a second maker’s range; confirm models first |
| Taytools #71 (full-size) | Ductile cast-iron body; 2.43 pounds | Adjustable fence, depth-stop lock, 1-inch maximum cutting depth | $84.99 displayed (Taylor Tools listing, 2026; volatile) | Budget full-size option for dados and rabbets |
| Vintage Stanley No. 71 and Record No. 071 | Not stated for this guide | Common Woodworking calls the two nearly identical apart from finish | No current price stated; a 2024 price expectation in Common Woodworking is out of date; secondhand only | Buyers comfortable judging condition and sourcing cutters |
Lie-Nielsen No. 71: the general-purpose choice
The No. 71 is the plane to consider if you want one router plane for most recess work. Its depth stop and fence matter more than its size, because they determine how repeatable a recess will be. Lie-Nielsen also lists additional small-plane cutters and a blade adapter for this plane, which widens your cutter options, but the adapter means you should check fit against the exact listing before ordering. At the time the maker’s page was captured, the plane showed as unavailable, so confirm stock before planning a project around it.
The Tool Desk
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- Wood Planer Hand Tool: A practical tool for refining wood shape and size, helping create smoother, more precise surfaces for detailed craftsmanship.
- Application: Ideal for cutting, smoothing, and deburring wood surfaces, suitable for both professional carpenters and DIY woodworking projects.
- High Precision: Made from high-quality steel for sharpness, durability, and reliability; compact size (approx. 6.81" x 3.31" x 4.1") ensures easy handling and accurate control.
- Depth Adjustable: This woodworking plane features an adjustable brass nut to precisely control cutting depth. The smooth bottom ensures clean planing, precision grinding, and long-lasting durability.
- Feature: Designed with fine details, a comfortable wood handle, and high-quality carbon steel construction, this portable planing tool is perfect for tuning joinery, cutting grooves, rabbets, dados, and creating mortises with flat-edge woodcraft precision.
Lie-Nielsen No. 271: a second plane for tight work
The small plane is a companion rather than a replacement for a full-size body. It fits shallow work, narrow edges and spaces a larger plane cannot reach. Its blade is O1 steel with a 1/4-inch square tip, and the optional 3/32-inch and pointed cutters extend its range. Because the depth stop is optional, a buyer who needs repeatable depths in small recesses should price the depth stop into the purchase.
Veritas: a second maker’s range
Veritas describes ductile cast-iron bodies, flat soles on its regular and medium models, and a lapped sole on its small model. Its guidance on blade position is useful background: inboard for closed-throat work and outboard for bullnose work. The current model lineup, cutter sizes and prices could not be confirmed for this guide, so check the maker’s site before comparing Veritas against the Lie-Nielsen models.
Rank #2
- Main body is made of 6061 Aluminum alloy, anodized finished, stainless steel blade shaft, brass nut; Simple construction, stable performance, ensure that it will withstand the rigors of woodworking, making it a reliable tool for years to come.
- Unique blade lift mechanism, feature with depth gauge and depth stop, the blade depth can be precisely adjusted, maximum depth 1.2 inch (30 mm).
- High speed steel blade, razor-sharp, durable and realizes clean cut surface, works out of the box.
- Solid rosewood grip, more comfortable to hold, easy to precisely control the tool.
- TOOLCOOL hand router plane is designed to help you fine tuning joinery, cut grooves and rabbets, create perfect mortises.
Taytools #71: budget full-size option
The Taytools #71 is listed with a 3/8-inch HSS blade hardened to 55–60 HRC, an adjustable fence, a depth-stop lock and a 1-inch maximum cutting depth. Its listed price was $84.99 when the page was captured in 2026, and retail prices like this change. Customer reviews on the listing were mixed on specific points but generally positive. Those are customer submissions, not controlled tests, and should not be read as an independent review.
Vintage Stanley No. 71 and Record No. 071
Stanley’s support documentation says the No. 71 was manufactured from 1884 to 1973 and that no parts remain available for it (Stanley Tools Support, 2025). A used plane therefore has to be right the first time, because a missing fence, depth stop or cutter cannot be replaced from the manufacturer. Common Woodworking treats the Stanley and Record models as secondhand-only purchases and considers them nearly identical apart from finish. Its 2024 price expectation is out of date, so check recent sold listings before setting a budget.
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Rank #3
- High-Precision Wood Planer Hand Tool: Router plane for refining, smoothing, and shaping wood surfaces with professional-grade accuracy. This compact hand planer helps you achieve clean edges, flat surfaces, and fine-tuned joints with ease, making it an essential tool for both woodworking beginners and experienced craftsmen
- Sharp Construction: Router plane for woodworking built from premium high-carbon steel and precision machined metal, this planer ensures long-lasting sharpness and exceptional cutting performance
- Adjustable Depth Control: Designed with a precision brass adjustment nut, this handheld router for woodworking lets you easily control cutting depth for clean, accurate, and smooth results
- Ergonomic & Portable Design: Featuring a comfortable wooden handle and a lightweight, compact structure, this Router Plane Handheld Woodworking Tool fits perfectly in your hand for easy control
- Versatile for Woodworking Tasks: Ideal for trimming, cutting grooves, rabbets, dados, and creating mortises, this planer covers a wide range of woodworking needs. Whether you’re fine-tuning joinery or polishing edges, it delivers smooth finishes and enhances precision for professional-quality results every time
Cutter sizes and replacement fit
Cutter size is the most common source of mismatch, so confirm it before you buy a plane or a replacement blade.
| Model | Cutter as listed by the source | Compatibility note |
|---|---|---|
| Lie-Nielsen No. 71 | A2 blade with 3/8-inch square tip | Maker lists additional small-plane cutters and a blade adapter; confirm fit for your exact model |
| Lie-Nielsen No. 271 | O1 blade with 1/4-inch square tip; optional 3/32-inch and pointed cutters | Optional cutters are sold for this model; match the square tip size |
| Taytools #71 | 3/8-inch HSS blade | Whether this blade fits other router planes is not stated |
| Stanley No. 71 (original supply) | 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and V-shaped cutters | Cutters are the part to check on a used plane; Stanley says no parts remain for the model |
Inspecting a vintage plane before you buy
- Cutter condition. Look for rust, pitting and useful remaining length. A cutter that is badly pitted or too short cannot be replaced from the manufacturer, so price that into the purchase.
- Cutter size. Confirm the plane came with, or can take, the widths you need. The original Stanley supply was 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and V-shaped.
- Fence and depth stop. Check that both move freely and hold a setting. Both are essential for the repeatable depths a router plane is bought for.
- Finish versus function. A Record No. 071 in a different finish from a Stanley No. 71 is not a different tool, according to Common Woodworking’s comparison.
Setup and care
Lie-Nielsen says its blades arrive ready to use, but extra honing can improve performance. These are manufacturer instructions.
Rank #4
- CONTROLLED DEPTH FOR JOINERY — Use this hand router plane to level dados and grooves, refine tenon cheeks, recess hinges, and clean shallow mortises. The straight cutter is made for light, repeatable passes that bring recessed surfaces to a consistent depth.
- ANGLED HANDLES FOR MORE CLEARANCE — Larger, outward-angled wooden handles create more room for your hands than the compact Cowryman 003 while maintaining a stable two-handed grip over the stainless-steel body.
- SET THE DEPTH, THEN LOCK IT — Direct depth adjustment and a lever-style blade lock help you position the cutter and hold the setting during controlled depth work. Adjust gradually and take shallow passes for cleaner, more predictable results.
- ONE-PIECE 8MM HSS CUTTER — The included straight cutter is made from one continuous piece of high-speed steel, rather than a joined cutting section. This one-piece construction helps maintain cutter rigidity and stability during repeated depth work. Approximate maximum working depth is 25mm, or about 1 inch.
- SIZE, COMPATIBILITY AND LIMITS — Tool dimensions are 6.1 x 4.92 x 3.35 inches and weight is 605g. The 040 does not include or accept a fence. Choose this model for general depth work where an angled grip matters more than fence-guided cutting. Covered by Cowryman’s 5-year limited warranty.
- Hone the flat underside of the blade until a slight burr forms.
- Make light passes on the bevel to remove the burr.
- Set the depth stop with shims, as Lie-Nielsen describes.
- Advance the blade progressively, using the depth stop to reach a defined finish depth.
- Keep the blade lightly oiled, and occasionally clean and oil the moving parts.
Building your own
Common Woodworking describes a Paul Sellers router-plane hardware kit and links to instruction resources for building one. The kit price and delivery details in that guide are dated, so confirm them with the seller before ordering. Building a plane is a practical option if you already have the hand skills and want a plane tuned to your own work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6061 Aluminum alloy body with anodized surface,stainless steel blade shaft,brass nut,high speed steel blade; Simple construction,stable performanc,ensure that it will withstand the rigors of woodworking, making it a reliable tool for years to come
- Unique blade lift mechanism,feature with depth gauge and depth stop,easy to adjust the depth precisely,it can cut up to 1.2 inch (30 mm) deep
- Blade width:12mm, razor-sharp,durable and realizes clean cut surface,you can start to use it right out of the box
- Solid aluminum grip,comfortable hand feeling,easy to precisely control the tool
- This hand router plane is designed to help you fine tune joinery,cut grooves,rabbets and dados,create perfect mortises
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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