A jack plane is a type of hand plane used in woodworking to shape and smooth wood surfaces. It typically has a flat base and a blade that can be adjusted for depth, allowing the user to remove material efficiently. The jack plane is versatile and is often used for initial flattening of rough lumber or for preparing wood for finer finishing. This tool is usually about 14 to 24 inches long, making it longer than a block plane but shorter than a joiner plane. The design of the jack plane allows for both rough and fine work, making it a staple in the toolkits of both amateur and professional woodworkers.