My Norris A5

[andyxbach]

Just bought a prewar Norris A5 from an auction recently and want to share my joy with everyone here. I just started knowing about antique tools (carving gouges and planes) since Sept 2010 but I am indulged in it quickly. This is my first Norris plane. I am really happy about its condition (there is no stamp on the plane, most of the plane is still covered with original varnish, the blade looks like a prewar Norris and it is still long). However, I have several questions in my mind and I hope experts in this forum can help.

1. How much should this Norris A5 worth?

2. Do you think I should clean up the plane (not with sandpaper though) as the plane is covered with dirt and I want to clean it a little bit. If the answer is yes, what can I use to clean the metal and wooden part of the plane? (I thought of using toothpaste but I am not sure if that is suitable or not).

3. Do you think I should use it to plane wood (I always struggle between being a collector and a user)? If yes, do you think I should change the adjuster (it is still functioning but I am worried about causing wear to it if I am going to use the plane). If I change the adjuster, will it be possible to put the adjuster back if I am going to sell it in the future? (please also email me if you know someone who is good at changing adjuster and restoring planes in England).

Please also tell me anything you think or know about this plane as all my knowledge come from the internet and I always want to know more.

Many thanks and hope you'll enjoy the pictures.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8475.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8476.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8478.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8479.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8480.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8481.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8482.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8483.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz274/andyxbach/Prewar%20Norris%20A5/IMG_8492.jpg

[NCArcher]

Very nice Andy. I can't help with what it's worth but I would give it a clean with soapy water and a soft brush, dry it well, sharpen the blade and put it to work. A bit of camellia oil on the metal parts will keep the rust away. If the adjuster has survived this long it will survive until you pass the plane on.

[orraloon]

You are a lucky man Andy. I have been on the lookout fot a norris (at a good price) for years.
As NCArcher has said just use it. It has been a user so more use will not detract from its value. As to value that is hard to say other than keep an eye on what other like items go for.
Cleaning, well it looks not bad as it is. There is a wood restorer mix you can make from meths, natural turpintine and raw linseed oil thats works great on old timber. Google will help as I can not remenber the exact perportions for the mix.(I dint think it is critical however) Scrub it in with 000steel wool then wipe off with paper towel. Cleans a lot of old gunk off. A few days later use old fashoned wax paste and elbow grease.
Take out the adjuster, scrub it with turps, WD40, parrifin or diesel to get the old crud off it then some 3 in one oil or similar to keep it running smooth and it will last many more lifetimes.You have already sussed that sandpaper is not good. Just keep the rust away and it should outlast you and a few more generations
Enjoy the plane.
Regards
John

[Claw Hama]

What the boys said above. I have an A2 in almost identical condition. I have checked there value and they are often around for the $500 - $600 ish AUD. I use mine all the time, its fantastic, I cleaned the woodwork with 0000 steel wool and oil or furniture polish. I gave the steelwork a rub with one of those metal cleaning abrasive sponge blocks that I got from Lie Nielsen. Put it to work its probably been resting for way too long:D Oh my adjuster is a bit sticky, I have oiled it a few times but like orraloon said remove it give it a good scrub and oil it up would be the go.
Enjoy and flaunt your new sweat thing:U

Oops, how much did you pay for it?