Thread: Home made Silicone Impregnated Plane Sock

NO!

The silicone will transfer to the timber and could affect the finish that you use.

+1 NFW!

You could rub some paste wax into the sock (lay it out flat).

Thanks for the replies. Most aftermarket plane socks are impregnated with silicone, I understand the issues regarding silicone and finishing it fish eyes in the finish.

Originally Posted by tomartomau

Thanks for the replies. Most aftermarket plane socks are impregnated with silicone, I understand the issues regarding silicone and finishing it fish eyes in the finish.

Basically silicon sticks to everting, nothing sticks too silicon [emoji3064].

Cheers Matt.

I guess it's a matter of how pristine you want the tool to remain. The couple of Veritas planes I've had from shiny new are now ~20 years old & still very clean, though they have developed a very slight oxide discolouration compared with brand new. I don't mind that as it is (some) protection against sweaty fingers. The brass planes I've made develop a goodly patina quite quickly, which also resists fingerprints a little bit better than bare polished metal.

Local conditions matter a lot - if you live at the beach you have problems no matter how diligent you may be! I live far enough from the sea for it not to have direct effects, but here in the sub-tropics we have plenty of warm, humid weather. All my hand tools live in a tool cupboard with reasonably close-fitting doors (but by no means air-tight). Chisels & small items are further enclosed in drawers, but the planes are on shelves so they can be easily grabbed as needed:

Plane storage vs4.jpg

My shed is a typical metal job which has some roof & wall insulation, which prevents the condensation that can occur at certain times of year - having water drip on your table saw top doesn't do it a lot of good, I've learnt. The worst situation of all, and a constant hazard in warm weather, is a bead of sweat falling on bare metal - if you don't notice it & wipe it off quickly this is what can happen :

Rust smear.jpg

When I first arrived back in Brisbane my 'workshop' was a partially-enclosed veranda. Any ferrous tool left on an open shelf developed a goodly coating of rust within an alarmingly short time! But since the shed was built, & cupboards made for everything, I have no serious problems with corrosion on hand tools. I'm (mostly) diligent about brushing or blowing off any wood dust & putting things away each evening, & give them a rub-over with paste wax when I think of it (about once per 3 years ), but that's the extent of any extra care. Judging by progress to date, I reckon they should stay in much the same condition for a few more generations....

Cheers,

Would a good old fashioned woollen sock do the job?
Possibly a little added lanoline for extra protection?

if the plane needs to be isolated from rapid temperature or humidity changes, it would be better off in a box or cabinet. I think you'll find the plane socks to be a plane in the r's.

Originally Posted by IanW

SNIP

Very much agree with the sentiments. When I first got to aus the rust formed on my planes in a matter of hours. Whereas in Canada I could leave tools out for weeks and nothing would happen. All are now behind doors in a steel cabinet. Nothing really happens now to them. It's more about keeping the settling humid air in the mornings from landing on the tools.

Leather is also a great way to protect tools. I'm going to be contacting a lady on facebook next that makes saw pouches and such and have her make some for my back saws.