[2][3] The name fore plane is sometimes used synonymously with the jack plane, but the fore plane is usually longer in length, making it more effective at levelling larger workpieces.

[4] Historically, wooden-bodied fore planes have been 18 to 22 inches (460 to 560 mm) long.

[6]: 19  Often fore planes are used perpendicular and diagonally to the grain, and are set to remove larger shavings.

The iron can also be sharpened with a slight camber to aid this.

[6]: 101 For the rough preparation and levelling of stock fore planes have largely been replaced in modern workshops by machinery such as jointers and thicknessers.