Mike,

I have a couple of old planes I am wanting to clean, sharpen and use.  I remember reading about asphaltum that I could get at an art supply store, which I did today.

I also recall that you restore or refinish planes, and have a secret formula for the jappanning (sp?) that either is or is as close to the original Stanley formula as one could get today. 

Since I don’t have that formula, how do I use the asphaltum?  It seems rather thick?  What do I thin it with, if I need to?

How do I let it dry or cure?  Room temperature or do I have to put it in the oven?

Although I would like to use original finishes, I will settle for 2nd best as these are not highly valuable planes. 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Alan – planesaw