Thread: Norris Plane

Originally Posted by kusa

HI All,

I have just been gifted a Norris plane. I was wondering if they are any good? How does it stack up aginst a stanley? Its a smother, and has 50g stamped on it. Thoughts? JK

JK,

It's like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Fiat.

The Norris is a very high quality plane, used for smoothing surfaces, primarily.

Best regards,

eddie

Treasure it JK, they are that good.



Kind Regards,

Frank.

JK, try them both. If you sill prefer the Stanley then send the Norris to me!!

The Norris is a beautiful plane.

I an old 52 given to me to, I loved it as soon as I picked it up and then I looked up on the net what it was worth (about $500) Such a beautiful weight behind them and that chunky thick blade, great for Aussie hardwood.

I have a Norris of the less favoured variety, without the heavy wooden infill. The blade has been bastardised, and the screw cap has been re-welded. It still is so far beyond any Stanley as night and day, including bedrocks. The only criticism that I have of it is the rather cramped space between the knob and the throat which sometimes leads to jamming with shavings.

The adjuster is a marvel compared to a Stanley. I can easily dial in shavings of 0.001" (0.02mm). Back in the day they were about ten times the money of a Stanley.

Greg

On edit, I recall the model is the A51, with mahogany handles. Has the 1913 patent adjuster.

I thought it may have been a gem, but this confirms it. It has been living 30 feet from a rather large body of salt water. (South Tasman Sea) and has subsequently copped the usual salt related issues. Any tips on how best to make it mint again? I was thinking the finest of sand paper to take back some of the old varnish & re-varnish it, & brasso for the metal work. Am I headed in the right direction. I am scared to do any harm. Cheers All.
PS: whats the address of the bloke who said he wanted my old Stanley?

I wouldn't do anything to it unless its really bad. The bronze (if any) looks better with that old patina. The woodwork you can clean up lightly. If it's got peeling varnish that's something you'll obviously need to decide for yourself. I've never liked the feel of varnished handles, preferring instead a simple oil treatment.

Having said of of that, and with a wink to the antique conservationist, I used 240 wet and dry paper on mine, and metal polish too. I tend to give rusty examples a partial restoration-I don't like rust.

Apart from that, the blade obviously need to be lapped dead flat on the back with zero pits at the edge. The cap iron needs to have zero corrosion where it mates with the blade. Clean, bright metal is the go on those parts.

Greg

Thanks Greg

Norris planes are pretty much junk, easily found and commonplace. I don't even know why I would want one. Should you, however, care to sell your find I think I could find some neophite who would spend for it.
Seriously though, if you plan on derusting/restoring it stay away from brass brushes ( for cleanining off rust) the brass tends to recolor the steel. The main restoration is to be directed to the sole, cap iron and the blade. Your handling it will do the rest.

Use it and every time thank the giver and every craftsman who has used it before. Or, if that's too much trouble, just send it to me.