I went back east to NH for thanksgiving to visit family and friends. While I was staying at my Mom’s I came across a few of my grandfathers old hand planes that I thought were given away after he passed away at a time when I was still in College and not into woodworking. I found an old Stanley #5, a 60 1/2 block plane, a mini plane and a little razor blade plane. All were complete but in need of some serious TLC. My Mom knowing that I would put these to good use gave them to me and they are the only tools that I have that were my Grandfather’s. Their sentimental value to me is priceless. Here are a few pictures of the planes as I found them. Years of sitting idol in a damp garage had produced a fare amount of rust.
Now for the collector’s and purist in the group my goal was to get these back to a useable condition so that I can actually work wood with them not maintain any collectible value. As I mentioned the sentimental value was far more then their market value. Since I wasn’t going to sell these I decided to restore them accordingly.
Spending an entire day I disassembled each and spent much of the time removing the years of rush and stains. The #5 cutter and iron cap were too far gone and I had a new one of each laying around so that was the only pieces that I didn’t salvage. After a lot of elbow grease, sweat and love I have brought each back to life and they are tuned up and ready to Rock N Roll. I dated the #5 online and it is circa 1929-1930. I have no idea about the other 3.
-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com
12 comments so far
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 617 days
posted 344 days ago
Brian, it looks like you’ve got them cleaned up really well. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to have some of my grandfather’s shop tools. I’m sure you’ll cherish them.
-- Martin, Kansas
woodspyder
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59 posts in 524 days
posted 344 days ago
Brian
Great job on the rebuild.
I understand what you mean about the sentimental value aspect, I inherited some of my grandfathers woodworking tools too. I plan on rebuilding them some day soon.
-- Measure three times, cut twice.
3fingerpat
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907 posts in 562 days
posted 344 days ago
Well done Brian, they look great. I totally agree with you about not worrying about the monetary value of the tools. I believe tools were made to be used, not looked at, I am currently restoring an old #4, hope mine turns out as nice as yours. Thanks for the post.
-- "You get what you inspect, not what you expect"
Douglas Bordner
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3421 posts in 958 days
posted 343 days ago
I think you did an exemplary job especially on the 60 1/2. I use my Grandfather’s Low Knob/no ring No.5 nearly every shop visit. Somewhere (perhaps at your elbow as you use these fine tools) your Grandfather is smiling.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
dsb1829
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369 posts in 521 days
posted 343 days ago
Nice cleanup and a great story to boot. It is funny how these tools can be lost for a generation or two. Then, as if it runs in our blood, a new generation picks the tools up again. I am with you on use vs. collection. I don’t have time, money, or space to be a collector. Using these old tools is where the joy comes.
My heirloom was a no6 that belonged to my great grandfather. I would love to know the history of it beyond him as the plane itself dates to about 1890. He was likely the 2nd or third owner. I am contemplating having our names etched onto the tool so that those after us will know who used it.
-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama
Quixote
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167 posts in 532 days
posted 343 days ago
There’s just something about wrapping your hand around the same handle your grandfather used.
It’s like reaching across time and shaking hands, or sharing a simple smile.
Q
-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."
blackcherry
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730 posts in 717 days
posted 343 days ago
Woodworking runs in the family, nice work in cleaning these beauty back to life, gramps would be proud…thanks for sharing…Blkcherry
Dorje
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1767 posts in 891 days
posted 343 days ago
Nice work on these -
Have fun using this set that has a lot of value to you…
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
Napaman
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3486 posts in 971 days
posted 342 days ago
these are TRULY incredible…your grandfather would be really proud…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Keith Cruickshank
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41 posts in 538 days
posted 341 days ago
Good on you. Another classic Stanley saved! Beautiful job!
-- Keith Cruickshank, www.woodtreks.com - on-demand woodworking videos
Blake
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2755 posts in 768 days
posted 338 days ago
Nice job. These will always be in the family as an heirloom.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
naomi weiss
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63 posts in 288 days
posted 49 days ago
WOW—they’re like new! Well done!
-- 'Humility is a duty in great ones, as well as in idiots'--Jeremy Taylor