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Here it is plated and polished. Plating took one hour for the frame and another for the top pad. The current was set to 2.5 amps for the frame. I actually plated two pads at the same time with each pad needing 1.5 amps that meant I set the power to 3 amps total. I spent the whole day plating...

I talked with a expert at Brownell's about bluing unknown metals. They said they just try different products until one works. Not all metal is gun metal apparently. :)

Something I haven't really talked about yet is my polisher setup. Guess I take it for granted? Anyway, it reminds me of a quote that says find someone you admire, and then don't follow in their footsteps, but instead seek what they sought. So, the polisher I'm using isn't that important...

Definitely not a one off. I have seen others like it. I still think it was used to stretch either canvas or screen wire in a frame.

Basically I sand everything smooth. Eliminate any rust. Remove any sharp edges. Fix mechanicals. Then I use a 6" fine wire wheel. I'm after an even finish. For the polishing I use a 6" diameter 1/2" wide spiral wound cotton wheel with green buffing compound. I usually get my compound from...

Just did 3rd polish. This is good enough for now. Need to thread the end (left-handed 5/15-24) but waiting on die and nut to arrive. It's a hex nut and I'm not sure I will use it or make one out of brass. I will first try the nut. I will cut a slot across the nut for a split nut driver. Should...

This would be a Stearns. Patent attached.

Ok, just got done with second polish. It's almost where I want it. Probably one more polish before plating and final polish and re-assembly.

Here is a new Fulton spring clamp set consisting of pliers and a dozen clamps. Useful for holding miter joints together. Nothing marked except on other side of package.

Perhaps. Here is a picture of the braces in my tool cabinet. L-R: Henry Brown Patentee Sheffield (England). The patent was for the hardened washer under the brass for the top pad they called "Anti-Friction". John Fray No 80 Pat Sept 16, 79, Bridgeport CT. Note that this brace has a lot of...

Here it is after first polish. When it's at this stage I am looking for how consistent the surface texture is. As you can see both the arms are a little rougher along with the top pad. So, more sanding and then another polish.

Union Manufacturing is beginning to sell the X-Plane designs again. It uses a vertical post with a nut on each side of the adjuster yoke. High quality. They just had a video conference and it has Robert Porter of Union Manufacturing, talking with Robin Lee of Lee Valley, Joel Moskowitz of Tools...

Resurrecting this thread. As some of you know, I like to nickel plate some of my old tools. Thought I would do a few posts about the process. It starts with de-rusting. I use a variety of techniques depending on the shape of the tool and where the rust is. I always try to keep in mind not...

Not exactly an eggbeater but here are three iron braces I'm fixing up. None of them are marked with a makers name. The bottom one has a 3 in a few places. The top two have octagonal arms and use pins to secure the top pad. The bottom one used a peened over-a-washer type retainer. I have removed...

Yankee 1555 breast drill by North Brothers. Five function selector, two speed. This one I nickel plated and put new walnut handles on using 316 stainless hardware. (Crank handle bolt is left-hand threaded). Has three patent dates on selector: Nov. 2, 97 July 28, 08 and Aug 23, 10 No broken...

Here are a group of 6 slip joint pliers marked Fulton, but all made by J.P. Danielson. The top three all are marked with the 312.1 identifier as a supplier to Sears. The bottom three are marked with Fulton inside a box. Starting at the top and working down: #1 has plain handles but also a A20...

I was thinking a tapered dovetail would work. There is also the idea behind the Steers planes with rosewood inserts. The front strips slid into dovetailed grooves and the backs did also, but then they put small pins through the casting to secure. So it may be possible to make a tee slot, slip...

It will probably just be for display. I have a #3 Stanley and an equivalent sized Chaplin for smoothing. Still, I'll keep your suggestion in mind. Yours looks nice. One thing I have considered is using Delrin for a planes bottom.

Sometimes things move through the process quicker because my tools are already set up and accessible. It will take a few more days to get the metal parts cleaned and polished. My nickel plating is currently down in the basement to keep it from freezing. So when the weather finally staysa above...

Hey four cycle, you gave me a wow. Curious. Is this because I did a good job or that somebody is crazy enough to spend so much time on a transitional?