Thread: Pop's Planes

G'day Corbs,

You've got something really special there.

Hey Corbs

I agree with Waldo you do have something special there.

Are you going to restore them to use them ? ....I reckon I would be tempted to clean em up and build a nice display case to show them off.

cheers
BD

Waldo & BD,
Thanks for the replies, my intention is to restore but not use (although the block plane may be re-comissioned depending on its restoral). I like the idea of the display case though BD. I have a router than can make the mouldings quicker and easier but the planes are a connection with my pop that I never got a chance to make, he passed away when I was young.

Corbs

Wow, a treasure chest and family history all in one.
I like Brown Dogs idea and try to use as many of them as possible while building it too.

Corbs, by the look of it, the larger plane is a "Jack" plane used for cleaning up boards after using a Scrub plane. It sits between the smother and try planes.

Hi Corbs,

What an heirloom!! Fabulous stuff. check out that Chest to hold them!!

Cheers
Wendy

Originally Posted by corbs

Going to have to read about restoring planes now, guess I know a good place to start.

Enjoy,
Corbs

Send "Soundman" a PM, he's into restoring planes - maybe he can help.

I would just wash off the grime ... and that would be that!

Since they are going into a display cabinet (nice idea for these ones), there is no need to try and turn them into users. And the last thing you want to do is remove the signs of use by your grandfather.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Magic stuff.
I've got to agree with derekcohen. I wouldn't touch them, apart from maybe a bit of oil on the blades if they're showing any signs of rust. Any wear/chips/dents would have been put there by your pop when he was using them, and that's what makes them special as an heirloom.
If anything, just find out the specific purpose of each of them and write a bit of an explanation. Throw in a few photos of your pop, and where he used them if you can. These historical details can get lost with time.

I think it would be a shame not to have a go at using them a bit even if its just one last time.
Get a bit of a feel for how it was to use them.
Maybe even create a "sample" block for each one to show what it does.
Surely you wouldnt have to lose any of their patina to do that.

You are privileged to receive your pops planes and they look in good condition. I would blow the dust of them, wipe with linseed oil, sharpen the blades and put in a display cabinet. I am afraid most of these tools are seen as not worth keeping, they can't compete with modern tools but look at the detail and beautiful work that they did, or was it the skill of the tradesmen
les

Again, Thanks for the comments and advice guys. I like the idea of giving them a clean and putting them on display. Anyone got a nice plan for a display cabinet? With the exception of the block/jack plane, the others are all very basic router planes used for cutting moulding. Each plane looks like a different profile but they would have been a bugger to use.

Corbs

I'd use them. Reverently, and with a mind to having your hands in the same place that your Pop's hands were. Gently, and kindly, and treasure them. I inherited a small plane from my great-grandfather that I've sharpened and use, and two from my grandfather that I will use when I've finished restoring them. Every time I handle them I remember where they came from and it gives me a special feeling. By all means put them on display as well - but I reckon use them to, as a special connection.

Edit: I meant to also say that you've been given a treasure there - really nice planes made by your grandfather's hands. You're a lucky man....

You are a lucky person indeed. I wish my ancestors had left me their personal woodwork tools but they didn't - probably because hardly any of them were into woodwork seriously.

What is the history of the box?

I also agree with the other comments.