I have just picked up a Bedrock 604 in pretty good condition. Although it needs the usual cleaning, sharpening, and tuning, all of the parts are clean and true. My only concern is some minor pitting on the sole. The bottom is flat, and the sides are set at 90 degrees to it. So everything should work just fine. And after all, I did buy it to use, not to look at. This is probably more of a cosmetic concern than functional, but I am curious to know if there is good, permanent fix that would get it back to looking more like the way it is supposed to.
Thank you,
Bob Horne
Dallas, TX
Replies
Bob,
You are right in assuming that the pitting is just a cosmetic problem.
If you wanted to try filling the holes, there is an epoxy called J-B Weld, formulated for metal repair, that should work. The epoxy has powdered steel in it, so the dark gray color should match pretty well with the sole of your plane. The epoxy is available in a regular version and a fast setting type called J-B KWIK, either version will work. J-B Weld is made in Sulphur Springs, Texas and is sold in Home Depots and many hardware stores.
Whichever version you use, let it fully harden for a couple of days and then smooth it out with sandpaper on a flat surface. For the best adhesion, take some time to thoroughly clean up the pitted areas with a solvent like naphtha and a fine steel or brass brush. Scrub the sole with the solvent and wipe it off with towels until the towels don't pick up any trace of grease.
John White
John,
Thank you so much for your quick and thorough reply. I was actually considering the JB Weld solution, but it seemed like such a logical fix that I knew it couldn't be right. Surprise, surprise! It's comforting to know that logic will win out every once in a while.
And while I have you on the line, I must say how exciting it is to actually communicate with one of my literary idols from the pages of Fine Woodworking! I have been a subscriber since paper was invented (Actually, I think I came onboard somewhere around issue #2.) and have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from everything you and your co-horts have so graciously taught me.
I'll let you know how the plane turns out. In the meantime, thanks again and Happy New Year!
Bob Horne
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