The 5B Jack plane is used to rough shape material prior to final finishing. The longer base makes flattening material a breeze. As with all Footprint planes, the 5B features machined sides and base, broached mouth, and machined frog contact points. Wood handles complete the package. All Footprint bench planes have bodies, frogs, and lever caps that are manufactured from fine grain, grey cast iron. This produces a body with a stable base which will not twist or distort. The body and frog are coated with a durable epoxy paint for lasting protection. The seatings on the body and frog produce an assembly which is both solid and rigid. This ensures that the blade is presented at the correct angle to the timber and therefore eliminates movement and chattering of the blade. The base of the body is machined to produce a high tolerance flatness, critical for producing a good finish. The blades are manufactured from high quality carbon steel which is hardened and tempered to ensure a long lasting cutting edge. An accurately broached mouth results in a precise blade location and adjustment. A large adjusting nut enables simple and rapid adjustment for depth of cut. Finally, stained beechwood handles are designed for control and comfort. this enables the user to apply a downward planning pressure with ease. This control, combined with the balanced weight of a Footprint plane, allows cutting to be achieved with no more than a gentle push.