Replies

1. 
   dustindawind | Feb 08, 2020 11:45am | #1

   https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/discover/restoringanoldhandplane

   You can use the de-rusting process described there for everything.

   They (nobly) got rid of the pitting on plane iron. That's more work than I'd be interested in putting in. I likely would have just bought a new one. Pitting on the back of chisels and plane irons means that you won't be able to get a full length cutting edge, so you either have to painstakingly flatten the back until you get rid of all the pitting (hours of rubbing back and forth back and forth on a diamond stone), or just buy a new one.

2. 
   jfsksa | Feb 08, 2020 12:11pm | #2

   There's lots of youtube videos on restoring old hand tools. Do a couple searches and then youtube will keep more of them coming. You will see different methods and be able to pick the ones that might work for you. The basic method is to take the tool apart, then de-rust it with vinegar or some other product, clean up the old grease and dirt on the parts, sharpen the cutting edge and reassemble. Some people sand and refinish the wooden handles and paint the metal where the japanning is gone. I like the process. You're making something good out of something that looks like junk and also giving a new life to a probably great quality tool. It is also cost effective. A new Lie Nielsen #4 hand plane is $350 or so. You can buy a 100 yr old Stanley for under $75. Even if you have to replace the blade, you're still dollars ahead. Good luck.

3. 
   user-6458434 | Feb 11, 2020 07:01pm | #3

   You indicate they're a little rusty. I recently cleaned up an old Disston hand saw. What worked for me was to simply take it apart, and give it a moderate scrubbing with steel wool and mineral spirits. I was surprised how well that worked. Good luck.

4. 
   rob_ss | Feb 12, 2020 03:45am | #4

   I'd second trying the basics first - you'd be surprised what can be achieved with WD40 and steel wool.
   This makes most metal clean and will deal with all but the most stubborn rust. Not shiny, Not sparkling like new, but clean and efficient. Quick and cheap.
   With enough effort and a buffing wheel though, you can get a mirror shine on almost anything flat!

5. 
   will_ar | Feb 13, 2020 10:37am | #5

   I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my query. These are all very good suggestions and I will start with the basics first and then if necessary i will move up to the more advanced options that have been stated.

   Thank you everyone,

   Cheers,

   Bill