Hand Tool Restoration

[LamensTermsWoodworks]

@LegacyWoodworking & @bwa I’d love to learn more about your techniques for restoring hand planes and other tools. This will be fun, thanks!

[thoworth]

Hand plane resto is fun. I’ve done many. There are lots of YT videos on how to do it, but what specifically would you like to know?

The key things are: a flat sole, a sharp blade, and a tight chip breaker. Everything else is just there for show. 😀

[LamensTermsWoodworks]

Thanks for jumping into this forum. I suppose my first question is how to remove any rust and begin to flatten the sole? Thanks!

[thoworth]

Regarding rust removal, first remove any dirt, dust , or oil. Washing in dish soap works fine for this. Then I simply use a plastic bin and some strong white vinegar. Evap-o-rust works great too. Toss the parts in and let it set overnight. That’s typically long enough unless it’s really rusted. After that, use a wire wheel to clean away any remaining rust. Rinse off with water, but then immediately dry it and coat it with something like T-9 Boeshield or a rust protectant to prevent flash rusting.

For flattening, I apply adhesive sandpaper (100 grit) to my table saw table. Make sure the blade is removed. You only want to sand the sole. Reduce the grit until as smooth as you want. Flatness is more important than smoothness.

[bwa]

I used a vinegar bath as well and hit the bad spots with rust remover if I have to. That and a wire brush works for me. And as the previous reply pointed out, I used 3 in one oil and wipe the plane and everything else down with it to prevent immediate rusting.

[TLSOF_ww]

I used we-40 and my dremel on one the girls bought me while antiquing. It was fun actually. After picking the little wire pieces out of my clothes.

[LegacyWoodworking]

Being relatively new to the craft (a little over two years now), I’ll try and structure the most fundamental tidbits of knowledge I’ve picked up for tool restoration something like this:

Gear Acquisition: This will be the phase of acquiring the tools or materials you need to begin working on your used tools. The most budget friendly for me has been sandpaper, window cleaner, and ate glass. If you think you’ll be restoring many tools in the future and are in the market for more expensive gear, I’d recommend a diamond stone. Either 300 or 400 grit on one side and the other side and the other 1000. You could use other grit sand paper to get an even finer edge if you so desire. Having honing compound (chromium dioxide) and a strip (this could be as simple as leather super glued to a block of wood) will help knock off butts and give you that final edge. These are just very basic starting tools for sharpening gear.

[Furnitology]

@characterredworkshop Here’s the hand tool restoration forum if you are interested. Would be great to hear how you plan to restore your Stanley’s.

[Furnitology]

@Kolby Here’s the hand tool restoration forum. Would love to have you join the conversation.

[BBWoodWorking]

Has anyone heard of “Steelcraft” chisels? Does anyone know if they are any good? I know they are from Germany.

[Furnitology]

I haven’t heard of Steelcraft, but a quick search on google does have some info. Some have suggested they are Fulton chisels branded as Steelcraft, and depending on the price they can be of good value for a full set. Are these yours, or considering buying?

[ericjs]

Is this an active group?