I have just started to learn how to sharpen, tune and use my old Record 4 1/2 smoothing plane. One thing I tried yesterday that helped immensely was waxing the sole with Johnson’s paste floor wax. But I wondered, would the wax transfer from the plane to the wood, and leave enough residue to affect the final finish?
Chris
Replies
No, not if you buff the bottom of the plane with a terry cloth towel after the wax has dried. The layer of wax left on the plane will be molecular in thickness and there will be very little transfer to the work, if any. Johnsons is okay, but a better brand of wax for this is Treewax - it is made with the much harder and longer-lasting carnauba wax.
Regards, JW
Another option is a slab of canning wax, if it still can be found. Don't have a can to open, et cetera. I just "wipe" with a corner back and forth a few times in front of and behind the blade. Haven't had any problems with water borne finishes after planing. Just my two cents.
Try waxing the cutting edge of the iron as well. This reduces frictional heat, which is an enemy of sharp edges.
Would,
I WOULDN'T know about Johnson's wax but why don't you just use ordinary white candle wax, which I know for sure doesn't cause any problems-well not in the last 40 years or so.
I also hope you are being taught the simple basics of sharpening without complications ie "grind at 25° and hone at 30°....
I have pimped up a few of those plane types earlier this year-have a look.
WouldWorker,
Just for fun, Google the Woodwright's Shop and watch the video on making a holder for a lubricant. Apparently mutton fat was the choice...
I keep an old candle next to my hand planes - When the plane gets tough to push, I just put a quick scribble on the bottom of the plane - Nothing elaborate, just spend a second
I've never had a problem with wax transfer from the planes affecting finish
Gregory Paolini
http://www.GregoryPaolini.com
Custom Furniture, Cabinetry, and Woodworking Instruction
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled