Reconditioning Wooden Planes

The transitional plane’s sole is shot, the tote is ailing and I can’t see the frame. The horned plane looks like it has some water damage at the rear of the sole? The skewed rebate looks fine except for the greenish paint smears, the mouth looks tight enough and the wedge looks okay too.

More pics would be helpful.

Do you plan on using or displaying any or all of these? Knowing the answer will inform your way to proceed.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

Thanks for the reply J.C.

I would like to preserve the planes. It hurts to see the neglect tools get, so I just want to keep them around for reference to earlier days.

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

Knowing that, I would clean them up with 0000 steel wool and Johnson’s paste wax. You could substitute with a fine ScotchBrite or similar pad. The paste wax has just enough solvent in it to allow you to remove a lot of grime while imparting a protective finish to the entire tool. Great for shelf sitters. Use liberally and keep a roll of paper towels around to wipe off the amalgamated gunk. When it’s clean enough, allow the last application to dry then buff with one more paper towel. Viola!

The amount of wax that lodges in the nooks and crannies just enhances the “antique” look of a tool.

Good luck.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

A good source of info on this topic is a book by Michael Dunbar

http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Tuning-Using-Classic-Woodworking/dp/080696670X/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-4157343-8985443?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176524260&sr=1-1

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

Thanks for the responses. As stated previously, I hate to see tools thrown away. Either use them or preserve them.

Sorry it took so long to respond but we got a few dry days in mid Missouri and I have been taking care of a few farm chores.

J.C. thanks for the answers.

WayneC, its your fault I started looking at planes after reading your blogs on them, lol :)

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

Glad I could be of service. : ^ )

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