Show us your handplanes

[Farmer J.]

I built a plane till last month. Pine and walnut. I turned the knobs from a chittam wood branch from my back yard.

That's really neat, well done and thanks for sharing it.

 

[bonneyman]

Some of the new versions of infills can get up in the $5k range, I’m told. Got to play with a Holtey once, was terrified.

Yeah, I'd never wear a Rolex, either. I'd be afraid I'd bang it into a wall or something and break the crown worth $5000! lol

 

[Farmer J.]

Finished off the clean up project on this GTL No. 4 , from post no. 1220..
I've not bothered to sharpen it as it's going to be only an heirloom display piece, and it's new function is as a 'conversation piece'. The whole thing is pretty poor fit and finish compared to my Stanley Bailey!

 

[Old tool guy]

It does look nice. Cleaned up well.

 

[jola]

Hello from a newbie (both here and to woodworking).
I bought a Stanley 5 1/2 handplane from a local antique shop that seems in okay shape, but I'm still looking into how to "restore" it on my own for use as I've never done that before (or used a handplane yet either).
My only real concerns are things that would affect it's usefulness: an example would be the repair near the mouth. I personally like the different colored metal and glad someone else fixed it, but have no idea if that's "bad" in terms of actually using the plane.O ther parts I know can be replaced (like blade/chip breakers, or the wooden handles.
I'm not interested in returning the plane back to original factory state, as it's not something I want to flip.
I took it apart earlier and wiped off some rust (and shavings under the frog) with some dry paper towels. I'm just hoping to get it fixed up and use it in my future hobbying without ruining it completely!

 

[RTM]

My only real concerns are things that would affect it's usefulness: an example would be the repair near the mouth. I personally like the different colored metal and glad someone else fixed it, but have no idea if that's "bad" in terms of actually using the plane.

the repair will definitely affect value. But if the plane is flat completely across its length, and across its width, it should be fine. A very good straight edge, a taut wire, etc can be used to see how true the sole is. As a simple test, a nice metal straight edge can be used. Look for small gaps between the straightedge and the sole, on either side of the mouth, and between the mouth and the front edge of the plane. Check both sides, looking at twist by going diagonally across the plane.

I have two planes that were repaired some time ago, nice brazing jobs. They both seem workable, have not tested them yet, too May other projects ahead of them.

I had a more recently repaired #6 which someone did a horrid welding job on, which had a gap on one side where they attached a plate. Would barely work as a coarse plane, much less a jointer. I pulled all parts off and tossed the sole away.

 

[Jim C.]

Hi jola,
Welcome to the site. I hate to make your first experience here and to woodworking unpleasant but I gotta say it. When you buy old tools, particularly old hand planes, really look them over carefully. If there’s significant damage to the castings, the tote and knob are cracked, parts are missing, etc., walk away. Unless that plane was free, it’s probably not worth the time, effort and resources to restore it. Typically, restoring an old plane devalues it anyway. There are tons of good user quality hand planes for sale on line, at flea markets, garage sales, etc. Be patient, do a little research, and don’t think because it’s old it’s worth a lot of money. If you’re interested in reading about old hand planes, this thread is a pretty good resource. If you’d like to read more, there’s a lot of good sites online. You can also check out the link below to the hand plane thread on a different site. I go into some detail regarding collecting and using old hand planes. You might find it helpful as well. Good luck, and sorry for the tough love right off the bat.

Jim C.

 

[CRSINMICH]

jola: Welcome and congrats. The wooden parts of your plane can be replaced if you feel the need. The repair on the casting shouldn't be a problem unless you use it for a shooting plane (not a bad idea for a 5 1/2). Spend some time learning to sharpen it. There are dozens of YouTubes about that. Enjoy. Btw there's a Woodworking 101 thread on GJ.

 

[Farmer J.]

Welcome Jola! You're gonna have lots of fun and can get lots of help here with your new hobbies. It's nice to work wood with old tools that you've brought back to life.. If you give that old plane a clean up (I avoid using the word 'restore' as that's a different and much more difficult thing) and play around with it you will have learned a lot.
As CRSINMICH kindly pointed out to me a few posts above, the video's by Paul Sellers on you tube are worth watching, he's a great teacher.

 

[Jim C.]

I’m not looking for a fight, but I would have passed on that plane. Was the repair on the main casting done correctly? Is the sole still relatively flat? Would you honestly use the plane with a rear tote that’s beat up like that? How much will it cost to replace? How much did the plane cost to begin with? There’s so many good planes on the used tool market, why settle for one that is in rough shape? Just walk away and keep looking.

Jim C.

 

[jola]

A very good straight edge, a taut wire, etc can be used to see how true the sole is. As a simple test, a nice metal straight edge can be used. Look for small gaps between the straightedge and the sole, on either side of the mouth, and between the mouth and the front edge of the plane. Check both sides, looking at twist by going diagonally across the plane.

I'll have to check this out, thanks for the tip!

 

[jola]

Hi jola,
Welcome to the site. I hate to make your first experience here and to woodworking unpleasant but I gotta say it. When you buy old tools, particularly old hand planes, really look them over carefully. If there’s significant damage to the castings, the tote and knob are cracked, parts are missing, etc., walk away. Unless that plane was free, it’s probably not worth the time, effort and resources to restore it. Typically, restoring an old plane devalues it anyway. There are tons of good user quality hand planes for sale on line, at flea markets, garage sales, etc. Be patient, do a little research, and don’t think because it’s old it’s worth a lot of money. If you’re interested in reading about old hand planes, this thread is a pretty good resource. If you’d like to read more, there’s a lot of good sites online. You can also check out the link below to the hand plane thread on a different site. I go into some detail regarding collecting and using old hand planes. You might find it helpful as well. Good luck, and sorry for the tough love right off the bat.

Jim C.

Hi Jim, appreciate the honesty and tips. I've been watching some YouTube channels and reading things here and across the web, but I'll be there first to say I have no idea what I'm doing! That's part of the fun for me going into woodworking was a hobby, is to figure things out. Experience is the best teacher right?

 

[RTM]

I took it apart earlier and wiped off some rust (and shavings under the frog) with some dry paper towels. I'm just hoping to get it fixed up and use it in my future hobbying without ruining it completely!

this is a set of steps I use for tuning up a handplane. Not a lot of details, (definitely no YouTube ot TikTok video), but it works. I used this on my first plane, purchased new, and it made it work so much better (Record 05 purchased new in about 2000). Almost all planes I buy get this type of review.

WoodCentral's BP Archives: RJ's 19 Steps to Tuning a Handplane

I refer to it as a rehabilitation instead of a restoration.

 

[jola]

jola: Welcome and congrats. The wooden parts of your plane can be replaced if you feel the need. The repair on the casting shouldn't be a problem unless you use it for a shooting plane (not a bad idea for a 5 1/2). Spend some time learning to sharpen it. There are dozens of YouTubes about that. Enjoy. Btw there's a Woodworking 101 thread on GJ.

Thanks! I was considering making replacement handles myself, but did see some gorgeous ones on eBay I might jump for .
I've watched a few sharpening videos already, and will undoubtedly watch many more before I even attempt it myself!

 

[Old tool guy]

I’m not looking for a fight, but I would have passed on that plane.

Agree … but … it’s his first purchase, obviously he was excited about it. Now that he got it home and stripped down, he is learning a huge amount about what to look for. I did the same thing when i bought my first breast drill. Now i am aware of some of the details, and i make the same mistake less often. Sometimes the tool is just calling my name … me, pick me …

 

[jola]

I’m not looking for a fight, but I would have passed on that plane. Was the repair on the main casting done correctly? Is the sole still relatively flat? Would you honestly use the plane with a rear tote that’s beat up like that? How much will it cost to replace? How much did the plane cost to begin with? There’s so many good planes on the used tool market, why settle for one that is in rough shape? Just walk away and keeping looking.

Jim C.

Probably because you know what to look for already!
Was the repair on the main casting done correctly?
No idea, but it looks neat.
Is the sole still relatively flat?
Appears to be visually and sits 'flat' on a table, but will look into it more.
Would you honestly use the plane with a rear tote that’s beat up like that?
As is, absolutely not.
How much will it cost to replace?
eBay has some beautiful ones for $30, or I might attempt to make my own.
How much did the plane cost to begin with?
$65
There’s so many good planes on the used tool market, why settle for one that is in rough shape?
It was local, and sometimes you buy stuff because you want to . The other two at the shop (5 & 6) were in worse condition, and/missing parts.

 

[jola]

Welcome Jola! You're gonna have lots of fun and can get lots of help here with your new hobbies. It's nice to work wood with old tools that you've brought back to life.. If you give that old plane a clean up (I avoid using the word 'restore' as that's a different and much more difficult thing) and play around with it you will have learned a lot.
As CRSINMICH kindly pointed out to me a few posts above, the video's by Paul Sellers on you tube are worth watching, he's a great teacher.

I've watched a few of his videos already!

 

[Old tool guy]

$30 for both handles, or each? For both it might be worth it, a quick fix, cross that off the list. But you said they are beautiful … that’s not necessarily a feature worth paying for.

 

[jola]

this is a set of steps I use for tuning up a handplane. Not a lot of details, (definitely no YouTube ot TikTok video), but it works. I used this on my first plane, purchased new, and it made it work so much better (Record 05 purchased new in about 2000). Almost all planes I buy get this type of review.

WoodCentral's BP Archives: RJ's 19 Steps to Tuning a Handplane

I refer to it as a rehabilitation instead of a restoration.

Thanks! I've saved that for help later when I really get to rehabilitating it!

 

[jola]

$30 for both handles, or each? For both it might be worth it, a quick fix, cross that off the list. But you said they are beautiful … that’s not necessarily a feature worth paying for.

Not sure, would have to check the listing. As far as money goes in general... There's a difference between cost and value, but it definitely varies person to person!

 

[jola]

Agree … but … it’s his first purchase, obviously he was excited about it. Now that he got it home and stripped down, he is learning a huge amount about what to look for. I did the same thing when i bought my first breast drill. Now i am aware of some of the details, and i make the same mistake less often. Sometimes the tool is just calling my name … me, pick me …

I had been in there a couple times before, but this time I had to take one home .

 

[jola]

this is a set of steps I use for tuning up a handplane. Not a lot of details, (definitely no YouTube ot TikTok video), but it works. I used this on my first plane, purchased new, and it made it work so much better (Record 05 purchased new in about 2000). Almost all planes I buy get this type of review.

WoodCentral's BP Archives: RJ's 19 Steps to Tuning a Handplane

I refer to it as a rehabilitation instead of a restoration.

As far as cleaning it up (before tuning) are there some big "do's and don'ts" I should be aware of?
Like for rust removal, is the vinegar bath okay for pieces like the frog (minus the brass nut)?

 

[RTM]

As far as cleaning it up (before tuning) are there some big "do's and don'ts" I should be aware of?
Like for rust removal, is the vinegar bath okay for pieces like the frog (minus the brass nut)?

I’m not a vinegar fan, as it indiscriminately removes metal. Others like it, that’s their choice. I tend to forget stuff in the bath due to day job commitments, so I use Evaporust or electrolysis.

Only thought: go slowly, it’s hard to undo some things. Breaking screws can really ruin your project.

I’d be careful with abrasives. Sometimes you think need to remove a lot of metal, and use a coarse grit, like 50, and then getting rid of the scratches takes a while. You can also make a plane sole crooked, go the wrong way, etc if not careful.

 

[Old Radar]

Let me extend a hearty welcome @jola and add my two cents worth of advice

First rule of thumb: Local or not, unless your mom owns the "antique store", you're going to pay through the nose--and you did. As mentioned, garage sales, estate sales and flea markets are all alternate choices, the viability of each depends on where you live. You can reference craigslist, Facebook and https://www.estatesales.net. That's all info for future acquisitions, since the purchase has been made.

You've posted a lot of good pictures of your project and that's great--it's surprising how many noobs don't bother--but unless I'm blind, I don't see one showing what seems to be your main concern--the repair to the main casting. I'm guessing it may be what looks like a dirt buildup on the left side of the frog anchor just behind the mouth opening. Follow the good advice above to determine if it is salvageable.

I'm sure you've heard the old adage about throwing good money after bad, so if you want to make the resurrection of this plane a learning experience, do so with a tight hold on your wallet. Don't buy the handles, make them yourself. Learn to sharpen an edge on the very little that's left on your iron. Experiment with the different methods of rust removal to find one you like best--because there will always be more tools with rust.

If you can get it working, practice with it while keeping your eye open for a plane that has led a softer life that you will then have the experience to properly value, tune and use to your ultimate satisfaction. At that point, you can display your first plane in a state of dignified retirement and wax rhapsodic about how you learned everything you know about planes from this example.

 

[Farmer J.]

As far as cleaning it up (before tuning) are there some big "do's and don'ts" I should be aware of?
Like for rust removal, is the vinegar bath okay for pieces like the frog (minus the brass nut)?

Evapo-rust is your friend!

 

[jola]

Let me extend a hearty welcome @jola and add my two cents worth of advice

First rule of thumb: Local or not, unless your mom owns the "antique store", you're going to pay through the nose--and you did. As mentioned, garage sales, estate sales and flea markets are all alternate choices, the viability of each depends on where you live. You can reference craigslist, Facebook and https://www.estatesales.net. That's all info for future acquisitions, since the purchase has been made.

You've posted a lot of good pictures of your project and that's great--it's surprising how many noobs don't bother--but unless I'm blind, I don't see one showing what seems to be your main concern--the repair to the main casting. I'm guessing it may be what looks like a dirt buildup on the left side of the frog anchor just behind the mouth opening. Follow the good advice above to determine if it is salvageable.

I'm sure you've heard the old adage about throwing good money after bad, so if you want to make the resurrection of this plane a learning experience, do so with a tight hold on your wallet. Don't buy the handles, make them yourself. Learn to sharpen an edge on the very little that's left on your iron. Experiment with the different methods of rust removal to find one you like best--because there will always be more tools with rust.

If you can get it working, practice with it while keeping your eye open for a plane that has led a softer life that you will then have the experience to properly value, tune and use to your ultimate satisfaction. At that point, you can display your first plane in a state of dignified retirement and wax rhapsodic about how you learned everything you know about planes from this example.

Apologies! Thought I included a couple pics of it, but here's some make-ups. It doesn't appear to be all the way thru to the inside of the sole.
I haven't been on this site very long, but I've already seen plenty of comments asking for pics all over. Figured if I was going to actually post something I should make it worth it!
I've seen an incredible range of prices and state on here, other places online, and in a few antique shops. Appreciate your advice, and every day I learn more!

Evapo-rust is your friend!

I'll check it out!

 

[jola]

Missed the inside ones somehow

 

[Patrickm82]

Pick this MF #07 skew plane at a yard sale this past weekend. In pretty good shape no bad pitting. The iron edge is in great shape no chips dings or chunks missing. Got it for $2 plus some other small stuff

 

[bmwrd0]

I picked up these three over the weekend:

Stanley of England spokeshave, pre-sweetheart #80, and a #55.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Patrick: That No.7 is not an ordinary block plane. In addition to having a skew blade it can also be a rabbet plane. One of the sides is removeable. Congrats.

Here's a cut from a 1929 Millers Falls catalog.

 

[RTM]

I picked up these three over the weekend:
and a #55.

And nOw comes the expensive part, getting enough blades to make it useful.

 

[Patrickm82]

Patrick: That No.7 is not an ordinary block plane. In addition to having a skew blade it can also be a rabbet plane. One of the sides is removeable. Congrats.

Here's a cut from a 1929 Millers Falls catalog.

Thanks for the catalog clip! Interesting piece I’ve never seen one before.

 

[Farmer J.]

Patrick: That No.7 is not an ordinary block plane. In addition to having a skew blade it can also be a rabbet plane. One of the sides is removeable. Congrats.

Here's a cut from a 1929 Millers Falls catalog.

Now, that's a clever design! Not seen one like that before.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Farmer J: Stanley made the same kind of plane - No. 140 as shown in this 1915 catalogue cut. I couldn't say which came first. By the way, Lie-Nielsen is currently selling a No. 140 block/rabbet plane but you'd have to add $383.60 to Stanley's price.

 

[RTM]

Farmer J: Stanley made the same kind of plane - No. 140 as shown in this 1915 catalogue cut. I couldn't say which came first. By the way, Lie-Nielsen is currently selling a No. 140 block/rabbet plane but you'd have to add $383.60 to Stanley's price.

Lee Valley sells a similar one. The side doesn't come off. It uses a Tee shaped blade instead. Comes in left and right hand options. And a bit cheaper

Veritas Skew Block Plane - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

 

[bmwrd0]

And nOw comes the expensive part, getting enough blades to make it useful.

I have a full set, in the box with the #55 they came with, so this one is going to pay for the weekend.

 

[bonneyman]

Touchdown!

 

[Leviton]

I picked up these three over the weekend:

Stanley of England spokeshave, pre-sweetheart #80, and a #55.

(Lee Valley still sells replacement blades for the #80 scraper if you ever need one.)

 

[Farmer J.]

Lee Valley sells a similar one. The side doesn't come off. It uses a Tee shaped blade instead. Comes in left and right hand options. And a bit cheaper

Veritas Skew Block Plane - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Thanks, I hadn't seen that. My Brother is visiting from Canada in a few weeks, I feel tempted to ask him to put one in his baggage..
Normally when relatives visit from Canada and ask "Is there anything you would like us to bring" my answer is usually "Something... from Lee Valley"!

 

[RTM]

Thanks, I hadn't seen that. My Brother is visiting from Canada in a few weeks, I feel tempted to ask him to put one in his baggage..
Normally when relatives visit from Canada and ask "Is there anything you would like us to bring" my answer is usually "Something... from Lee Valley"!

I bought mine with the fence and everything. I bought the opposite hand, since my normal posture is apparently backward for how everyone else holds things for this task. Just a warning before you place your request.