Fixing splinter in Lignum Vitae plane sole - CA Glue

[Daniel P]

I just picked up an older ECE Smooth Plane #711 - in general its in wonderful condition.
However there is a small splinter/crack at the front edge of the sole that I'd like to stabilize.

Should CA glue be appropriate to stabilize a small splinter/crack in an oily wood such as lignum vitae?

[ken cierp]

I have not worked Iron Wood -- but CA works great with oily Rosewood so I bet it would be a good choice.

[Kevin in California]

I just made a small block plane with a lignum vitae sole a couple of weeks ago. I used LMI White glue to glue to the Myrtlewood body. It glued fine with that. I would think that CA would be fine also. Try it you can't hurt anything.

[Daniel P]

thanks Ken.

I also asked the asme question of the U.S. Representative for E. C. Emmerich, as well as confirming the use of 50/50 shellac and boiled linseed for treating the body of the plane ( as outlined in the EC Emmerich Complete Book of Woodworking tools - http://www.ecemmerich.com/images/ece_co ... _tools.pdf), and here is David's responce:

"Thanks for your inquiry. I would put a little epoxy glue for wood in the crack and when dry, sand the bottom by lapping on 120 grit paper affixed to a flat surface like a granite counter top or a ground cast iron table on a circular saw or jointer table.

Do not use old shellac, you will get a gummy mess. Dilute 50/50 mixture of shellac and oil with equal amounts of wood alcohol and turpentine.

Happy Woodworking"


Sounds like quite a concoction they use on the plane body.

[Daniel P]

CA worked great.
Lapped the sole on 220 grit paper, and the plane is working beautifully.

[ken cierp]

Seems in some applications CA is a marvel of our times. And don't forget it was geared for development in the medical field.