Handplane Restoration #8: A couple of new candidates

There is a monthly antique sale here in town. I went down there with the family this morning to look around. I’ve got some pictures to share of what I got today and will add these at the end of the entry. I’m sharing primarily because David asked to see what I got.

I was looking for a #18 block plane, but the dealer who normally has a large selection of planes was not here today. So no #18 today. The number of dealers was a little less than normal today. I’m assuming this was because of the Easter holiday.

Also, I was on the hunt for a router plane. I saw a Stanley and a Miller-Falls, but neither was good enough for the asking price.

The Antique Fair is located underneath one of the local freeways. During the week it serves as a parking lot for California State employees. About half way through the antique fair, my daugher came up to me and told me that a Raccoon was hanging off of the freeway overpass. I walked over to where she indicated and sure enough a raccoon was there. He was about 30 feet up above the pavement and with 12 lanes of freeway behind him. The highway patrol, fire departement, animal control, and at least 2 of the local TV stations had arrived. The firemen (about 6 of them) were deployed below the Raccoon with a large blanket. There was a very large crowd below watching. Animal control went up onto the freeway and attempted to get a noose on him. He ran around the person and Jumped. Unfortunately, the firemen were not able to get over quickly enough and he hit very hard. The crowd was stunned and the fire department went over and covered him with the blanket. People were crying. It was very depressing.

After this, I slowly continued on my way. About 5 minutes later my daughter came back and told me that they had put the raccoon in a cage and he was now awake and looking at people. Hopefully things will work out for him. But things were looking up. I’ll check the news tonight and see if there is an update.

Anyway, I found the following items today:

Box of files and small tools $8
Stanley 5c handplane $12
Old Screwdriver $12
Stanley 12 1/2 Scraper Plane $20
Sargent Scraper $20
xacto plane $6

I passed 6 jorgensen 48” or so bar clamps for $50 and they were gone when I came back. I have plenty of clamps, but you can always use more.

Here is a look at the files. Lots of handles and stuff. Most are Nicholson files. : ^ )

I plan to restore the 12 1/2. I need to replace the rosewood that goes on the sole of the plane. I will also need to get a blade for it. Probably will invest in a hock blade. The handle on it is also a replacement. I’m thinking about turning a rosewood handle for it. Should be a fun restoration.

I would not normally buy another #5, but got drawn into this 5c. Japanning is Ok. Both handles have damage. It has the wrong lever cap. Everything else is good. The main reason I bought it, is that it has a nice Bedrock lever cap. Figured for $15, I could not go wrong.

This is a Sargent #52 Scraper. It is a very nice, solid tool.

I’m going through a phase with these old style screwdrivers. Putting together as set of various sizes of these. They work well with the screws on the planes. May do some shopping on the UK Ebay site. Seem to be more common there. Probably should raid Phil’s shop. : ^ )

This is a Xacto plane. I’m still deciding if I will keep it or give it to a neibour or hang on to it

Happy Easter!!!

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov