Refurbishing stanley Bailey plans

DocXmas | Posted in Hand Tools on November 21, 2005 08:42am

I have just inherited a couple of Bailey plans from my father. They are in pretty severe disrepair. Cracked handles rust haven’t been sharpened you name the problem and they have it to some degree. 1st I would like to know how difficult it is to restore these and if there is a step by step resource out there for the process. 2nd does anyone know of someone who restores these planes professionally. Any thoughts on how to accomplish this would be much appreciated these plans are invaluable to me from a sentimental standpoint and I would like to be able to use them in my shop.

Doc

Replies

John_D | Nov 21, 2005 09:53pm | #1
I don't recall what thread, but someone just posted this link for step-by-step instructions for tuning a plane.

http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/plane_tune.shtml

I'm lucky enough to still have my Dad, and he just gave me a plane to tune up as well. I'm going to start by using electrolysis to remove the copious rust. :)

EDIT: Credit where credit is due: the original post was by Scrit, here.

Edited 11/21/2005 2:05 pm ET by FatherJohn
BG | Nov 21, 2005 10:52pm | #2
Doc,
Mike of Katy Texas on here restores planes, you'll see his name as "Planewood"...his prices are quite reasonable...click on his home page.
PlaneWood | Nov 22, 2005 11:30pm | #3
Doc -

I'm here if ya need me! My web page describes what I do.

PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood

Bepperb | Nov 23, 2005 06:01pm | #5
I wish I had never clicked on that link. Durning the winter months when it's too cold to work I usually fix up one or two, I think last winter I managed four, but mine never look quite that clean... that and your prices are half what I would expect to pay. Great work, hopefully it'll push me to do that much better.
paxtonm | Nov 24, 2005 07:39pm | #7
I just looked at your site, and your work is phenomenal! I better start looking for a new plane!

Troy | Nov 23, 2005 03:11am | #4
Frank Klauz (I think thats the spelling) has a video where he rehabs an old stanly plane. If you can find that video that would help you a lot.
Just a warning you start doing this kind of thing and planes will start following you home from garage sales. And before you know it your shop will tip over from the wieght of all the wonderful planes.

Troy
malex | Nov 23, 2005 10:21pm | #6
Doc,

Try http://www.rexmill.com and click on "handplanes". The site gives a great "how to" with respect to refurbishing planes. He'll also do the refurbing for you. Not sure of his prices but he has a good rep for fine work. Good luck.

Mark