Replies

1. 
   BenM | Aug 14, 2002 07:56pm | #1

   There is a lot of information out there, but to get started try "Restoring, Tuning and Using Classic Woodworking Tools" by Michael Dunbar.  It has more info than just planes. It's in print.  FWW also has had a lot of articles; some of these are compiled in a book entitled "Bench Tools".

2. 
   dhpascoe | Aug 14, 2002 08:45pm | #2

   There's excellent stuff in FWW back issues that you can probably get cheaper than a book. You might want to do a search of archives for these. Plus they have an exclusive mag on planes as I recall.

   Dave of Fla.

3. 
   rreeger | Aug 14, 2002 10:15pm | #3

   Jim,

   Here is a "plug" for a forum member, Mike in Katy, who restores old planes for a living.  His web site is at:

   http://pages.sbcglobal.net/mike_in_katy/PlaneWood/Default.htm

   I have recently acquired a couple of old planes and will be sending them to him for restoration shortly.  Looks like he does an outstanding job, if you do not want to do it yourself.

   RR

1. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 14, 2002 11:03pm | #4

   Garrett Hack's book Hand Planes.  Is a must have IMO.  FWW has a book or video about reclaiming flea Market Planes which might be of interest. Both can be found in taunton's store online im sure.

2. 
   Jim_McGee | Aug 14, 2002 11:21pm | #5

   I checked out Mike in Katy's Web page. Man does he do beautiful restoration work! One plane has a damaged handle that I will definitely order from him.

   As for actually doing the work, I'd like to do it myself for sentimental reasons. These were after all my father's tools. But I want some good sources before I start so that I know I'm doing the job right.

   Thanks again to everyone who's responded so far.

   Jim McGee

1. 
   BHerman | Aug 15, 2002 01:03am | #6

   We'll have to compare notes - I just acquired thru ebay two old Stanley planes, a #3 and a #5. I have the Garrett Hack book and it is excellent, I am in the process of cleaning up the #3, so far I've honed the sole, started cleaning up the body, and repaired the handle (cracked). After closer examination of the blade, I did order a replacement Hack blade. While mine don't have the sentimental value that yours do, I am enjoying it nonetheless.

1. 
   BG | Aug 15, 2002 02:03am | #7

   Ben,

   they have a coupla #3's on e-bay right now...can you share how much you paid?

1. 
   BHerman | Aug 15, 2002 02:06am | #8

   I paid about $90 for both the 3 and 5 - probably about $20 more than I should have, but didn't think it was enough to worry about. The key question is what kind of shape they're in.

2. 
   PlaneWood | Aug 15, 2002 05:04am | #10

   BG -

   That #5 in my Before & After pics was acquired on Ebay for $15.00.  The #35 was $12.00.  I have found that auctions on Ebay that end during the day and not on the weekends, go for less money, on average.  The best time for an auction to expire, for the seller, is generally on Friday, Sat, and Sun evenings.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

3. 
   BG | Aug 15, 2002 11:47am | #12

   At that price, I'm not positive about this but, I think it's a sin...lol.  That is a terriffic tip for doing business on e-bay, thanks.  I'm extremely impressed with your reconditioning of the planes...they are drop dead beautiful.  I had no idea a restoration could produce such an outcome. 

   I gotta be careful though because I'm finding the whole plane thing starting to get to me.  When I pick that Plane up it just feels so good in my hands (I should say ham hocks).  Its gotta be a throw back to the old play gun and holster sets we had as kids..anyhow, something clicks and I wanna plane everything ...shave mister?   

   Thanks

3. 
   PlaneWood | Aug 15, 2002 04:58am | #9

   RR -

   Thanks for the plug!

   But, I don't do it for a living.  I'm retired and do it for the fun, mostly, and to have something to do.  So far, I've been spending most of the profits on planes and tools.   If the stock market doesn't rebound a lot, and quickly, then I may be doing it for a living!

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

1. 
   rreeger | Aug 15, 2002 02:55pm | #14

   Mike,

   In any event, you do a great job!  And like I said, I have at least one plane I intend on sending your way for a little TLC!

   Thanks!

   RR

4. 
   ekarnes | Aug 15, 2002 07:11am | #11

   try ernie conover's video on restoring flea market planes..its like 12 bucks and it takes you through restoring and honing stanley planes..you can get it on this website i think.

   -eric

5. 
   DominicG | Aug 15, 2002 02:39pm | #13

   As some people have already suggested, "The Handplane Book" by Garrett Hack is a great resource for information regarding the care, use, and restoration of handplanes. Using it as a guide, I restored a Stanely Bailey #4, (2) #5, #60 1/2 block plane, and a Record #8. Just last evening, I used most of them when flattening a tabletop. (Talk about a workout!)

   Don't forget the importance of having a sharp blade. Because, a plane is only as good as the edge you put on the blade. All those planes I have restored above were sharpened to a razor's edge. And they work as well (or in some cases better) than some high priced planes. 

   I also have used the Scary Sharp System for sharpening the blades. This "system" uses sandpaper as the honing media. I've gotten plane blades so sharp that I can cut cardboard like it wasn't there.

   Another resourse for information on sharpening is "The CompleteGuide to Sharpening" by Leonard Lee. Great book, loads of information.

   Good luck,

   Dominic

6. 
   woodshaver | Aug 17, 2002 03:32am | #15

   Hi,Jim . I know the feeling!! I inheited, my grandfathers#6 fore plane. I restored it by watching Mario Rodriqes video avalible at taunton press. a great how to video.            best of luck.

1. 
   Jim_McGee | Aug 22, 2002 03:09pm | #16

   Thanks again to everyone who replied. I'm going to pick up Hack's book and the video.

   Looks like I've got a project for a couple of evenings once the weather turns cold.

   Jim McGee

1. 
   BILLB | Aug 23, 2002 07:32pm | #17

   Hello Jim,

   I've been an enthuisast of old wooden molding planes for several years. Currently I have about 30 of 'em in my shop. Most came from local auctions etc. They're not historically significant, but I derive much pleasure from restoring and using them-all the while wondering about the old carpenter who made his living with them.

   I wanted to find a way to clean and restore the wood parts without sanding, which would remove that wonderful patina that only comes from from years of use. I stumbled onto what I think is a great product. Its called Kramers Best Antique Improver. I ordered some and followed the instructions. I was pleased with the results on the evening that I first used it, but was really impressed when I returned to the shop the next evening and found that the finish had actually improved even more after I left that evening.

   The stuff isn't cheap, but Ive conditioned all of my old planes with it and I'm pleased with the results. Start reading about it at John Kramers website http://www.kramerize.com

   Good Luck

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Aug 23, 2002 11:29pm | #18

   Here's the formula for the wood conditioner that I use. Got the recipe long ago:

   1 part methylated spirits (denatured alcohol)

   1 part white spirit (shellite)

   1 part boiled linseed oil

   0.25 part white vinegar

   Needs to be shaken before and during use. Takes off all the grime and leaves the original finish/patina behind.

   Works a treat and doesn't cost a bomb.

   Cheers, eddie

   Edited 8/23/2002 4:32:23 PM ET by eddie

1. 
   CoastalCarver | Aug 24, 2002 11:10pm | #19

   Hi Eddie,

   What is white spirit (shellite)? 

   Your recipe sounds like something I want to try.

   Brandon

2. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Aug 25, 2002 01:56am | #20

   Hi Brandon,

   I 'googled' as I don't know the US name, and found out that I had been using the wrong substance - my recipe still works fine, but.

   What use the two terms white spirit or shellite for the same thing. Shellite is a clear paraffin base oil - something like lighter fluid but less flammable and a good solvent. http://hardware.pacx.com.au/SuppMarketing/SuppHTML/S1016/data.htm

   White spirit in other countries is paint thinner.

   http://www.ultralight-hiking.com/fuelnames.html#whitespiritgas

   http://www.ultralight-hiking.com/fuelnames.html#table

   I suppose that either would work well IMO. Perhaps paint thinner would do a slightly better job cleaning, but paraffin oil would be better at putting a finish on the wood.

   Cheers, eddie

   edit: my only slight reservation with the recipe is that vinegar is acidic (slightly) and may etch steel if left in contact. As vinegar is a weak acid and the amount is slight, I left it in for the work I did - just thought I'd better mention it in case you're using it on an expensive item.

   Edited 8/24/2002 7:19:16 PM ET by eddie

7. 
   RobP22 | Aug 25, 2002 05:53am | #21

   I have had excellent results with following Dunbar's advice is his book. The guy really knows his "metal". Also, advice on searching for and buying old tools was right on the money.

   Best of luck to you sir.