Thread: Help - Restoring Old Wooden Hand Planes

I'm pretty sure that Derek Cohen has answred this very question recently. A search should turn up the info you seek. Otherwise, Derek might answer you himself next time he's on the board

Nix

What a lucky dog you are! I am very envious of those that have had tools handed down to them by family, especially fathers and grandfathers. No one in my family was into woodwork. My father was a boy scout and all DIY at home was completed with the aid of string!!

Anyway, the first thing you want to do is clean the wood without destroying the patina. Please don't be tempted to sand or varnish the wood!!!!!!

Here is the recipe given to me several months ago when I purchased an H & R
half-set. The owner had used it on the planes, and also demonstrated using
it on a few other pieces lying around. It seemed to work very well without
destroying the patina.

200ml Turps
100ml Meth
150ml Vinegar
25 ml mild detergent
10ml Ammonia (5% solution)
25ml Brasso

Once you have cleaned them, the next thing to do is feed the timber. I'd prefer to oil and wax them.

Since you have not mentioned bench planes, I assume these are not on your list. If they were you'd probably have to repair mouths.

Irons will need to be lapped on their backs until flat. Any pits will prevent you getting a sharp edge. Stubborn rust can be removed with electrolysis. The contours of the blades can be sharpened with either sandpaper wrapped around dowels, or Japanese slipstones. You can do all this without professional help. It is not rocket science. Yell out if you want advice.

An absolutely necessary book is Restoring, Tuning & Using Classic Woodworking Tools by Michael Dunbar.

Regards from Perth

Derek Cohen