When my in-laws moved to Florida they gave my wife and I a lot of their old junk. One item was an old Slanley 110 plane. It was a bit rusted and the blade was bent and a bit corroded too. The base of the plane was a bit dented. Looks like my father in law used it as a hammer.
So I used about 10 pieces of sandpaper on a piece of marble to flatten the base. (It still could use a bit more work, but looks pretty reasonable now.)
I supported the blade on my bench and a block of wood. A few taps with a rubber mallet mostly straightened out the blade. I ran it over some sand paper to get most of the crud off and smooth the front and back. I also used the sandpaper to put some edge on the blade and then used a water stone to finish.
Even though the plane is junk, even though it isn’t properly tuned, even though the blade really should be replaced or at least properly shapened, the plane still cut incredibly fine shavings and left the board ready for finishing. I couldn’t believe how smooth the board was. Considering how good it felt using this piece of junk, I just can’t imagine the joy using a really good plane.
I’m completely enamored by handplanes.
Replies
Now that's fettled. I wouldn't waste time on the blade if its as you say- pick up an A2 replacement blade and you're good to go.
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
If you are enamored by the 110, just wait until you try some others. Get yourself a 60 1/2 low angle block plane, a #5 Jack Plane, and a #4 smoother as time and money permit. Take your time choosing your tools, there is a lot of great finds out there. Good luck.
Wolfman (formerly B.O.B.)
"If you are enamored by the 110, just wait until you try some others. Get yourself a 60 1/2 low angle block plane,"I whole heartedly agree. First plane i ever bought was the lee Nielson small low angle adjustable mouth block plane. Just a very useful, great little tool. I use it for so many things,including shooting the length of a board just ripped on the table saw. I have the Lie Neilson #4 as well as a few other specialty planes, but that little block plan gets 90% of the work.-dp
Try a new blade made by Ron Hock. I believe Woodcraft still sells Hock blades. Those old "garage-sale" and inherited planes can give lots of years of good service when properly cared for.
I think the message here, for those who have ears to listen, is this: good enuf is good enuf. If you have an urge to spend money or time needlessly so be it.
(Not pickin' on ray who is an economy minded garage saler and that's all right with me.)
Bill (for whom single chocolate was always good enuf) Just feeling filosofical.
Yeah, a couple Hock blades are on my list of things to get. (But next month; spent a little too much this month :) )
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