Old Planes

sorethum1 | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on November 5, 2002 01:19am

I’ve got a couple of flea market planes, both wood/metal: Stanley 29, 20″ x 3,” and Sargent (C. Weinman?) 3415, 15″ x 2-3/4″. I’m thinking of getting these working just enough to use them, if practical. I think they’re now set up correctly, but the blades are not sharp, and they cut badly. One clogs badly. The bottoms are in no way smooth, but the mechanisms seem to work. I may need to replace a broken handle. What would I need to do to get them to working condition? If nothing else, they look pretty cool. Thanks, Todd

Replies

Kauai | Nov 05, 2002 01:26am | #1
I noticed that Lee Valley Tools has high quality replacement blades and other parts for planes; handles, etc.

http://www.leevalley.com
MStehelin | Nov 05, 2002 07:30am | #2
There are piles of articles on how to tune up a plane. Lap the sole to flatten the bottom. Grind your stiffener to match the blade. Sharpen the blade. Play!!

Mitt
domermatt | Nov 05, 2002 09:45am | #3
Start by flattening the soles with another plane. If need be remouth the plane. Wax the sole. If the iron is pitted beyond use, get a good replacement (Lie Nielsen and Hock are 2 good brands). Make sure the chip breaker is bearing evenly on the blade (else a chip might get caught and clog). If need be replace the broken handle. I would disassemble the plane as much as possible to clean off any rust present...and possibly hiding. Put it all back together after a coat of Renaissance Wax on all the metal. Make sure the frog is set back so the blade bears on the wood and doesn't chatter. Try it out, with a little luck it'll be working great. If not, try to figure out what's not right. I use the sandpaper on glass method and will never use anything else.

I would check out Tuning, Restoring and Using Classic Hand Tools by Mike Dunbar (I think I botched the title), he does a great job explaining some of the things I mentioned to do.

When people 100 years from now see my work, they'll know I cared. --Matt Mulka
JeffKurtz | Nov 05, 2002 08:27pm | #4
Todd,

Try this link:

http://www.yesterdaystools.com/tuninga1.htm

Nice step-by-step instructions with photos.

And don't forget to check out our own Mike Taylor's website. Be sure to see his before and after pictures.

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

However, you should be warned that once you begin playing with old planes you may soon find yourself hopelessly addicted to them.

Jeff

Edited 11/5/2002 12:42:22 PM ET by Jeff K