The name jack plane dates back to at least the 17th century, and was a term used to describe many tools used for rough work.

[3][5][2]: 48  The jack plane has also become associated with the related term "jack of all trades" as they can be adjusted to perform some of the work of both smoothing and jointer planes, especially on smaller pieces of work.

[6][2]: 34–36, 48 As with other bench planes, until the end of the 19th century the bodies of jack planes were predominantly wooden, typically made out of beech (Fagus sylvatica in Europe, Fagus grandifolia in North America).

[8] The irons (blades) on jack planes are often ground with a slight camber, allowing more material to be removed without marring the work.

[9] For a finer finish, the irons can also be ground like a smoothing plane – with a straight edge and a very slight curve on the corners.