Replies

1. 
   Mainemarc | Jan 22, 2004 12:18am | #1

   Alan:

   If you haven't already, check out Todd Hughes & Sean Cullen's excellent article on japaning tools over at Woodcentral: http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/readarticle.pl?dir=handtools&file=articles_117.shtml

   Besides the BLO and turpentine, the author's identify asphaltum as the key ingredient in japanning, and it's supposedly available at larger art supply stores because its more common usage is in etching and lithography.  I think the article mentioned an online source as well.

   Marc

2. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 22, 2004 03:33am | #2

   I make my own using this recipe.  http://www.paranoia-towers.com/alchemy/pontypool.htm

   Now, how you acquire all the modern day equivalents to the ingredients is a trade secret!  :)

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jan 22, 2004 07:56am | #3

   Mike,  I was hoping you would chime in.  I figured you would know something about this.  Any idea where I can find something already mixed / concocted?  I want to redo 4 or 5 planes.

   Thanks,

   Alan - planesaw

1. 
   15Broad | Jan 23, 2004 05:37am | #4

     No advice to give, but got a question.  What is Japanning?  In the whole week I've been a cabinetmaker I haven't heard of it.  From the little I've read about Japanese tools I'm inclined to think it's a hardening technique, but like I said, it's only been a week (or so).

1. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 23, 2004 06:41am | #5

   It's paint.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

1. 
   15Broad | Jan 23, 2004 07:18am | #6

     Thanks.  But gee I feel foolish.

2. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 23, 2004 06:33pm | #7

   No reason to. That was my reaction the first time I heard the term.

   Some say the technique originated in Japan.  Japanning is the common term used to refer to the painting of, for instance, Stanley planes.   Lots of iron work was finished this way in the 19th century.   Japanning, as applied to Stanley planes, produces a glass hard high gloss black finish.  Asphalt and linseed oil are the primary ingredients.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

2. 
   Kevin | Jan 23, 2004 09:27pm | #8

   One of the guys here at work was just asking me this morning about japaning for some 1930s era Stanley tools he's refinishing.

   Sherwin Williams sells Asphaltum paint thru their commercial coatings outlets. I believe that will do the trick nicely. I've never used it, though. All I have is their Spec Sheet on it. It's thinned with Mineral Spirits to varying degrees depending on if it is going to be sprayed, dipped, or wiped on. The sheen is listed as Semi-Gloss to Gloss.

   Regards,

   Kevin

   The Independent Voter.com

   "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud" - Sophocles.

3. 
   Crunk | Jan 23, 2004 09:34pm | #9

   The best products are available through several suppliers in Japan.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jan 24, 2004 03:54am | #10

   Is that like ordering French Fries from France?

   Alan - planesaw

1. 
   Crunk | Jan 25, 2004 03:50am | #11

   Most definitely.