cleaning a plane body

**Forrest** · 7th October 2004, 12:52 AM

Hi, I got my hands on one of my grandfather's old planes the other day, it's a pope falcon #5. Looks as though its been sitting around in some workshop for quite a few years so I decided to clean it up and learn to use it

I've pretty much been using this page as a guide -> http://www.yesterdaystools.com/tuninga1.htm
So far I've stripped it down and removed the rust from most of it using electrolysis (just got the screws to go) and scotch brite pads.
One page in the guide I'm following -> http://www.yesterdaystools.com/tuninga4.htm , says to use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft nylon toothbrush to clean the body. I'm usnsure what sort of cleaner to use here, the pic on the web page shows a jar with some green stuff in it, but I wouldn't have a clue what it is or what I should use. Hoping somone here might be able to offer some advice.
P.S. forgot to take pre-cleanup photos to do a comparison... oh well...

Thanks

Shane

**derekcohen** · 7th October 2004, 03:11 AM

I'm unsure what sort of cleaner to use here

Shane

I'm sure that the "green stuff" in the bottle is Simple Green, which is a non-toxic detergent.

I always first try a little soapy water on the dirt first, making sure that it is dry and waxed afterwards. Grease removers, citric-based cleaners, and others similar are likely to help.

Incidentally, my favourite finish (or should that be re-finish) for the wooden handles and totes is to sand to 600 grit first, then apply a single coat of blond shellac, and finish with Ubeaut Traditional Wax rubbed on with 0000 steel wool. Silky smooth.

Post a pic of the finished plane.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Forrest** · 7th October 2004, 12:50 PM

Thanks Derek, I'll try some soapy water and see how I go from there. (I had been wondering about the wooden handles too

)

Shane

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