Carter C7 restoration

**jmk89** · 11th March 2009, 02:35 PM

I am in the middle of restoring a Carter C7 jointer plane which I propose to fettle up so it can be a user. The rear handle (known by some as the tote) has the usual problem of a missing horn. In the usual case, I would just graft a replacement top with horn onto the broken handle and repaint (black gloss, consistent with Carter's usual practice). However, the handle has an almost complete Carter transfer on it.

One possibility would be to make an entirely new handle to replace the existing one and keep the existing handle handle to put back on it if I ever sell. Or do you think I should make the usual repair and keep as much of the original wood as possible (I will have to repaint though, trying to paint around the transfer, because the current state of the finish on the handle isn't comfortable to my hand).

What do you think?

**Vann** · 11th March 2009, 03:34 PM

I would suggest you save the handle (and transfer) to preserve its re-sale value, and have a go at making a new handle for day-to-day use. This also allows you to customise the handle to suit, without devaluing the plane.

Just my 2d worth (having not tried making a new handle myself).

Cheers, Vann

**scoobs6170** · 11th March 2009, 05:42 PM

Hi Jeremy,
Small world. You go months without hearing about "Carter" and then they all come at once. I'm in a very similar boat to you in that I'm currently doing up a Carter No.7. I've got the exact same problem as you have with the tote (decal and all) and would like to know how you go with the repair. I only posted a thread about mine a few days ago.
My other problem is that I' missing the lever cap, cap iron and blade so I'm trying to find these somewhere. Any ideas?
Good luck with it.

Cheers Andrew.
P.S. Any advice on how to repair the broken horn on the tote as I have never tried this?

**prozac** · 11th March 2009, 07:46 PM

What Vann said.(Definitely)!

**jmk89** · 11th March 2009, 08:08 PM

I reckon that the new handle is the way to go.

If I do that, I am not going to replace the horn on the handle. When I do that, I follow Bob Smalser's technique and straighten the break , glue on a new piece of wood and then shape it with saws, rasps and sandpaper.

As for the lever cap, I have a Carter C4 1/2 which is no good which has a lever cap that will fit. I don't propose to use a Carter iron and backing iron - I am going to try one of my new Thumbsucker blades and backing irons in it.

**scoobs6170** · 12th March 2009, 05:38 PM

Hi Jeremy,
Would you be interested in selling the Carter 4 1/2 lever cap as I’m sure it would fit the No.7 I have (hopefully)? Do you have the “ Carter” 4 ½ backing iron and iron as well as I would also be very interested in them?
Thanks for the reply!

Andrew.

**jmk89** · 12th March 2009, 07:14 PM

Andrew

The lever cap is going to be used on the C7 (which also came without the lever cap and blade). ISTR that the blade and backing iron for the C41/2 is unusable, but I will have a look over the weekend and let you know.

**jmk89** · 17th April 2009, 03:54 PM

Here is the almost restored C7.

More info on my blog entry

Thread: Carter C7 restoration

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Carter C7 restoration

Another Carter 7.

Similar Threads

Carter plane question

Carter No.5 Plane

Carter No. 7

Carter 78

Carter 71 router plane

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions