Does anyone know about restoring an old plane??? :-)

[Dave Bagwill]

Had this one given to me.
What would be the steps to restore it to working - not pristine - condition?

Take it apart first, clean up the gunk, sharpen the blade, like that? Any hints?

Will that cracked sole work if it is simply flattened,and maybe waxed? Or should I make a new plane, essentially?

Any and all hints, recommendations etc will be welcomed and financially rewarded. Well, not really, but welcomed yes!

[Kevin in California]

Ah ha, fun times ahead. I have one very much like that but the sole is in better shape. The mouth looks like it is still tight, so you can probably take alittle bit off the sole to make sure it is relatively flat. I think what I would is weep some CA into those cracks before doing any flattening. Might not be necessary but might make it more stable for the future.
Wire brush the metal parts, sharpen that iron and see how it does. Working over the knob and tote is optional!!
I have one that is about 30" long, old Stanley like yours, broken tote just like that, that I've yet to do anything with, but someday I will. Lets see how yours turns out.

[Dave Bagwill]

Good, thanks Kevin. I'll try to work it up to the point I can joint with it for project odds and ends.

I've got another just like, only a bit shorter.

[dave d]

That looks familiar. This is what I did with mine:

http://www.acousticguitarconstructionfo ... f=4&t=2617

Basically clean it up, re-paint the metal parts, and square the sole.

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks for the reminder, Dave - that's exactly what I've got and what I'll do!