Thread: Old Plane Help

Hi Ben, I think they would definitly be worth restoring ( if only for the sentimental value )

There are a few old threads on the forum detailing the best ways to go about cleaning them up and fettling them. If you search for those you will have plenty of reading to do.

I would not sandblast or buff the parts there are better ways to deal with them.
I'm sure others with more experience than me will chime in with advice.

Has anybody ever had plane parts soda blasted?

They don't look too bad, Ben. Though I suspect they might need new blades. Parts are still available....from Stanley, sometimes. There are aftermarket blades and handles if you really want to jazz them up.

Should clean up fine......and if they've got family history, well worth doing.

Is it about time we had a "Plane Restoration FAQ"?

Or have we already got one, and I've missed it?

Ben, your number 4 looks like it may be a US or Canadian version and the Number 5 UK or Australian made.
Both should be fine.
Dismantle them and give them a good clean. The tops of the blades look quite rusty but most of this will buff off on a wire wheel. The bottoms - under cover - aren't usually so bad but you will need to check. If the flat side - the one without the bevel - is pitted, then it may be hard to bring these back, if not then they will be fine to use.
Good luck with the re-furbishment.
I restored one in worse condition recently. See here:
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/s...-abuse-127544/

It works fine now.
Cheers
SG

I have had great success removing rust using electrolysis. There are a number of links on various old tool websites. Basically all you need is a chunk of iron/stee/metal, washing soda, water, a bucket/pail/basin and a source of DC electricity, ie a battery charger.

I have a number of planes I did this to which I now use. Many of which were in much worse shape than yours. They all cleaned up very nicely.

Soda blasting would work but in my opinion (deservedly humble) it is not necessary and too aggressive.

Here's one link. article-electro

If you try this first and aren't satisfied you can always go to more aggressive options.

Scott

All this talke of lapping plates makes me laugh! I'm a big fan of cheating (especially with a crook shoulder)... a magnetic vice and a milling machine is the way to do it

A discussion on a machinist website on the electrolysis method.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...-198072/method.

I should mention I have used various chemical methods and every type of 'new' or 'improved' rust removal dip/liquid/ magic that I can find. I always return to this.

But I never think to take pictures.

Scott

Yeah, commercial rust dissolvers/converters are OK for a bloom of rust on the surface but if the sole or cheeks have pitting I end up using mechanical means of clean-up. Wire brush on the drill, deburring wheel on the bench grinder, abrasive sheet, whatever. Taking care to keep surfaces flat.

Originally Posted by socratous

All this talke of lapping plates makes me laugh! I'm a big fan of cheating (especially with a crook shoulder)... a magnetic vice and a milling machine is the way to do it

Amen to that

Hi Socratous,

Looks like you've got plenty of good advice already, thought I'd chime in and add to that and recommend restoring them. Although it can get a bit addictive if you let it. I probably spent 40$ getting a few cans of paint and another few dollars on wire wheels and a scotch brite wheel. Which all made the job a lot easier.

I also got a long piece of 12mm float glass to lap the soles on as I don't have easy access to a mechanical lapping machine but have often wished for one

I followed the process outlined here in restoring my planes recently, as scribbly points out there have been plenty worse than the two you have recieved put back into working service... Hand Plane Restoration PAGE 1

Cheers

I'd add my vote to the restoring them crowd. I have a plane that was my grandfather's and one that was my great-grandfather's. I also have one from my FIL that I will be passing on to my children. Imagine when they are passed on to the next generation or the generation after that... Intrinsically they are not of huge value, but everytime I use a tool that has been in my family for more than 2 generations it means something to me. Worth the effort for that alone...