On a recent rust hunt, I happened across a Stanley #4.
The very reasonable price and three patent dates behind the frog motivated me to have the nice lady open the display case.
Once it was in my covetous little hands, I started ticking off the distinguishing characteristics of a vintage Type 11.
I’ve been burned before. So before forking over good tool money, I made sure that all the parts were present and in good working order. Check, check, check and—here’s my check.
At home I took a closer look.
The experiential archaeologist in me likes to look over how the previous owner configured my new plane.
Wow. Either a youngster gave cambering the ole’ college try, or an Irish workman decided to do it first thing in the morning on March 18th. The cap iron was also set a country mile (3/16”) from the edge. Let’s see. A course camber and set to the iron, plus paint streaks and drops everywhere, plus some plywood chips ensconced under the frog. To me that all adds up to a lifetime dedicated to general purpose work.
That left a cosmetic layer of rust, tarnish, grime and dust everywhere.
The disassembled parts plopped into Evaporust. Everything else was treated to steel- and brass-wire brushes, cue tips, mineral spirits and that Spice-Girls-fluorescent-pink naval jelly rust remover.
After that, I followed the plane rehab regimen that I detailed in my restore of a #3. That includes lapping the iron, sharpening it with a hint of camber and polishing the leading edge of the chip breaker to a mirror finish.
The sole was in pretty good shape. A total lapping time of five minutes through the grits was all that was required.
I left the sides alone other than to remove some rust to reveal the patina beneath.
Before/After tool porn
With the cleaning and sharpening complete it was ready for the test.
My minimalist rehab must have been sufficient, because it only took a few minutes to dial in some solid, smoother performance.
Mmmm. Billowy, gossamer shavings. That’s good, but what kind of finish does it leave on a piece of cherry?
Nice! A glassy-smooth, reflective, no-sandpaper-needed surface.
I’m satisfied with that. More so, considering that I only spent 30 minutes on tuning activities.
From display case to my shop. This one’s a keeper.
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-- "People's lives are their own rewards or punishments."
8 comments so far
Handtooler
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1628 posts in 2691 days
#1 posted 04-04-2014 02:51 PM
SUPER Rehab! Thanks for the blog through the steps. “Ya got it going”.
-- Russell Pitner Hixson, TN 37343 [email protected]
BTimmons
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2303 posts in 3044 days
#2 posted 04-04-2014 02:56 PM
Beautiful work. I’m sure that plane is much happier to be in your hands.
-- Brian Timmons - http://www.BigTWoodworks.com
theoldfart
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10980 posts in 3011 days
#3 posted 04-04-2014 03:10 PM
Really nice rehab Brad. I love the shaving collections we find under the frog!
-- "With every tool obtained, there is another that is needed" DonW ( Kevin )
ratchet
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1391 posts in 4346 days
#4 posted 04-04-2014 03:52 PM
Rehab beautifully executed.
Don W
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19381 posts in 3127 days
#5 posted 04-04-2014 04:36 PM
a keeper for sure. Nice cleanup Brad
-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.
ShaneA
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7084 posts in 3158 days
#6 posted 04-04-2014 06:12 PM
Nice pictures and shavings. A great plane to have, for sure.
ToddJB
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8558 posts in 2690 days
#7 posted 04-05-2014 01:58 AM
Nice save, Brad. Looks to be in stellar condition.
-- I came - I sawed - I over-built
AndrewJansson
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1 post in 307 days
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