Is this plane worth saving.

**munruben** · 15th December 2007, 12:43 PM

Hi guys, first let me say, I know absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing about planes. I went to the local market this morning and on my wandering around the various stalls, I spotted this plane so on an impulse, I bought the thing.
Firstly, What is it? and is it worth trying to make it operational. I think this wouldn't be hard to do (if I knew how to sharpen a blade) because it is not in real bad condition.
There is a crack in the handle but apart from that seems to be quits solid.
When I stand the plane upright on a flat surface, it has a very slight wobble across the diagonal of the plane. This is very slight but would need to be corrected.
So the question is, is the plane worth salvaging or is it just garbage? The name on the plane is Marda which means nothing to me. And if it is worth saving, what do I need to do to bring it back to a usable condition.

Just for the record it cost me $5. so it's not a big deal if its junk.

**munruben** · 15th December 2007, 12:46 PM

Oh by the way the plane measure 221mm in length and 58mm wide.

**wheelinround** · 15th December 2007, 02:28 PM

Nice find John

how flats the bottom John

http://www.hocktools.com/sharpen.htm

to sharpen http://www3.telus.net/BrentBeach/Sharpen/

**derekcohen** · 15th December 2007, 02:44 PM

Hi John

That will make a very nice smoother. I think it too wide and short for a scrub.

The blade looks to be a thick one, and in very good condition. The condition of the plane looks good as well.

Hone up the blade, read the HNT Gordon website for directions on setting the blade (dead easy once you know how), and try it out as is.

If the plane is not able to take a fine shaving, then begon the process of tuning it up: flattening the sole, making sure the blade is bedded firmly (flat frog and fitting wedge), and you can easily close up the mouth more (with an insert) if desired. All these tasks are well within your skills.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Scribbly Gum** · 15th December 2007, 02:57 PM

I've seen working planes a lot worse than this one John.
The mouth looks to be in good condition and the crack and abrasions on the woodwork won't affect its use.
The blade looks to be in good condition too apart from the rust on the back.
If it's only surface rust you will be able to get rid of it as part of the flattening process before sharpening. if it's pitted then you'll have to grind it back past the pitting first.
Get the blade nice and sharp and it will serve you well.
I've got one similar that I have set up for aggressive planing.
It doesn't take whispy shavings but I don't use it for that.
It fits the hand well and I often reach for it if I have some thicknessing to do and I want it done quickly.
I'll get a photo when I'm down at the shed so you can see what I mean.
OK here we go. As you can see, mine is a little smaller than yours but works a treat.
Happy restoring John.
Regards
SG

**munruben** · 15th December 2007, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by derekcohen

If the plane is not able to take a fine shaving, then begon the process of tuning it up: flattening the sole, making sure the blade is bedded firmly (flat frog and fitting wedge), and you can easily close up the mouth more (with an insert) if desired. All these tasks are well within your skills.

Thanks Derek will check out that webpage.

Originally Posted by thumbsucker

However these planes are a dime a dozen on ebay, so it will be not for profit but just for fun.

Thats what I had in mind. Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by Scribbly Gum

I've seen working planes a lot worse than this one John.
As you can see, mine is a little smaller than yours but works a treat.
Happy restoring John.

Thanks for that and the pic.

**munruben** · 15th December 2007, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Nice find John

how flats the bottom John

http://www.hocktools.com/sharpen.htm

to sharpen http://www3.telus.net/BrentBeach/Sharpen/

The bottoms not too bad Ray, When its upright on a frat surface, you can force it to wobble ever so slightly. Thanks for the links. Will have to brush up my sharpening skills.

**orraloon** · 16th December 2007, 06:43 AM

Looks like a good find. A sharpen and it should be ready to go. Perhaps flatten the base if required. I am no expert at this but the crack looks like it has been caused by the wood drying out due to humidity changes so will not be a big deal. If you are worried about it fill it with CA glue. A bit of heat from a heat gun helps the glue flow into the crack.

Regards
John

**wheelinround** · 27th December 2007, 02:56 PM

Hot on your heals John recalled FIL had one similar daughter picked it up today

Its Joh Weiss ( http://www.handplane.com/archives/143 ) on the blade which is a mess & M2 45 on the tail of the body which is worse condition than yours. The bottom is scooped badly and well worn.

If nothing else it will make a nice pattern to make a new one and go with my collection of other old planes all of which are shapers I picked a box of them up for $50 about 15 yrs ago along with wooden spoke shaves all of which have yet to be restored.

I am going to have a busy year ahead me thinks.

**munruben** · 27th December 2007, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by wheelinround

I am going to have a busy year ahead me thinks.

Well it will keep you out of mischief.

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