Thread: Hand me down.

I'm no expert on planes but I have a similar one from my father and I am looking forward to returning it to its former glory.

I am sure the experts found here will give you lots of advice and encouragement.

Hi
You will find **heaps** of info on the web, once you start looking.
Youtube is good too because you get to see the info too.

The plastic adjuster for one thing puts it in the near-modern era ... not a high point for retail level hand-tools. Think of it as a Datsun 120Y ... good to learn on ... capable of a certain level of performance ... and it won't matter too much what you do to it

Here's some links:
Cheers,
Paul

http://workshop.tjmahaffey.com/plane...anes1_anchor14 (whole page looks interesting)
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/t...planes-117099/
Jim Davey Planes & Sharpening - Plane Fettling Notes

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXZlQA3kFwo]How to Flatten Plane Soles[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dabDEdlKLXk]flattening the sole of a bench plane - YouTube[/ame]

Re flattening the base ...

The first video there has the iron removed from the plane. Technically some would say you want it properly in place - just backed up, withdrawn from the mouth - because having the iron in place deforms the plane very slightly.

But that would be getting pretty picky.

Hi James, and welcome aboard!

Aboard could be appropriate too, because you may have taken a long walk of a short plank, and fallen into the depths of ... neaderville! Don't panic!! There is a support group. US!!!!!

Anyhoo...

Has the plane got any other markings? It looks like a modern stanley and the blade sounds like it to, but there is a chance of it being something else. The newer stanleys aren't as good as the older, but yours looks like it's had some use, which would indicate it's able to be used or is "useful" at least. Can't say that for my newish stanley bailey.

Now, for starting out on fettling or tuning as a newbie, you really need something that you know works, so you know when you've returned it to that state. If this one takes shavings as it is, all good. Bit of a tune and a fiddle and you'll be off on the slippery slope. But if not, then you'll have to learn a bit more first. Also, I'd be cautious about having a go at something that has significance to you. The links pmsgee has posted are a good start, but there are dozerns on utube. Start there and see how you go.

Enjoy!
Dave W.

James,

First of all welcome. Now your on the slippery slope of the dark side.

The links that Paul put are useful. The plane being your grandfathers will hold more sentimental value than you think.

Flatten the sole, sharpen the blade, give it a good allround cleanup and it will come up nice.

There are a few jigs around that you can use to sharpen the blade and there are many methods.

Even if it doesn't come out to be a great user put it up on the shelf and admire it as it was your grandfathers and you restored it.

It's all just a learning curve.

Ask all the questions you like and you'll get many and varied answers here.

Originally Posted by Devery

Is it worth getting this plane in working order? I want to build my collection of planes and if this one is worth while it will be my first. If not, what would be a good starting point to purchase one? I'm thinking a no.4 and no.7 would work well for me in my early stages.

Thank you!
James.

Hi James,
there is not much more that I can add to the already excellent advice already offered.
Your plane looks to have a very generous mouth, and from the picture at least would benefit from adjusting the frog for a better blade fit. It may also be a candidate for a slightly thicker blade, but that will become apparent as you go along.
A number 7 is a very good addition, but not as useful for me as a number 5 with a radiused blade. I use mine a lot. Then maybe a block plane. Here are some pics to help you see what I am talking about.
Cheers
SG

Hi James,
Rather than "Stanley g12-204 259 angle for grinding" on the blade, it likely reads "Stanley g12-204 25° angle for grinding", which gives you a clue as to the sharpening angle recommended for the blade.
That product number also suggests the plane is a No. 4 - just a fairly recent-ish model.
Regards,
Chris.

Some oldy-but-goodies ...

Here is an example of going the whole hog ... + another hog and a half:

Rehabilitating Old Planes by Bob Smalser - Traditional Woodworking Tools Internet Magazine - wkFineTools.com


And this is another story completely, just to interest - or confuse - you


Secrets of Restoration by Diego de Assis

Cheers,
Paul

PS: I'm sorry I compared your plane to a 120Y. Do you prefer Holden or Ford?

PPS: There is only one correct answer.

Originally Posted by pmcgee

Some oldy-but-goodies ...

Here is an example of going the whole hog ... + another hog and a half:

Rehabilitating Old Planes by Bob Smalser - Traditional Woodworking Tools Internet Magazine - wkFineTools.com


And this is another story completely, just to interest - or confuse - you


Secrets of Restoration by Diego de Assis

Cheers,
Paul

PS: I'm sorry I compared your plane to a 120Y. Do you prefer Holden or Ford?

PPS: There is only one correct answer.

Toyota Landcruiser (built for Aussies)

Originally Posted by The Bleeder

Toyota Landcruiser (built for Aussies)

Correction: Two correct answers

hmmph...

What about a ...



(volvo!)

Originally Posted by Scribbly Gum

...

Your plane looks to have a very generous mouth, and from the picture at least would benefit from adjusting the frog for a better blade fit. It may also be a candidate for a slightly thicker blade, but that will become apparent as you go along.
.
Cheers
SG

Agree with SG. Looks like the frog needs to come back a bit.

Anybody recall a sectionised drawing of a bailey plane with a parts description. Can't seem to find it myself now.

Cheers
Dave W.

Thank you very much for all the replies, links and tips! I suspected it was not the finest of models, but I agree it has been useful and may continue to be. I'll post some pictures when I get home of my attempt to flatten the base. The pictures will tell the story.

I spoke to my grandmother recently and mentioned I was using the plane and she mentioned she had another one that she would like me to have. I picked it up today. It reads Bailey Stanley No. 4. Made in USA. And made in England on the blade (I think). It also has a timber knob and a metal handle. I'll post some pictures but I'll be very keen to see what you all think of this model.

Thanks again everyone. Much appreciated.

James.

Originally Posted by pmcgee

Correction: Two correct answers

What he said!