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To restore or not to restore.... that's the question.

2K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  blackcherry 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Folks,

Today I received one package from eBay with a couple of REALLY nice bench planes

Stanley Bailey No 3 corrugated type 11. 92 to 100 years old

Stanley Bailey No 4 Smooth sole type 6. 118 to 122 years old!!!

They are in a really nice condition for such an old tool. No repairs, breaks or any of the usual damage that we see all the time on this tools. Just the usual wear and the signs of time passing by, whoever was the original owner must have be a truly woodworker that knew how to take care of a tool.

I've been thinking to do some work on the brass and polish the Tote and knob, just a light cleaning on the main body and sharpen the blade. Nothing too deep but just to emphasize the little details that make those planes to really stand out.

Here are some pictures,

Please help me decide if I do a real deep restoration, leave them the way they are or just emphasize the details.

Thanks

Alonso

No 4 Smooth Sole











No 3 Corrugated





 
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#2 ·
Niiiiiiice find!

I think many hardcore collectors prefer to let items show their age, to them thats where the value comes from (I keep thinking of shows where the expert will be all appalled that someone DARED to clean an antique "you've destroyed its value you uncivilized fool!" LOL), but if it was me I personally think the best way to show respect to a good tool and its history is to keep it in the best working condition possible and keep using it to do what it was meant to do :D
 
#4 ·
This is my first post, so here goes…
I personally have more respect for an old tool versus a new shiny one. I feel like it's proven its worth by having lasted and still being useful. Honestly, the planes look fantastic! Had I gotten as lucky as you have, I would wipe them off thoroughly and hone the blades. No polishing, anywhere.
 
#5 ·
I´m with Ole just hone the blade and sole
it seems that there is a few rust spot in the japaning on the last two picture´s if that is correct
my suggestion is that you use some rust remover but only on the spot´s with an earstick so you
preserve the tools as users and in respect of the earlyer users/owner

just my 2 cent

Dennis
 
#7 ·
papadan

May I ask how can you tell they were cleaned before? I really think they still on its original condition, but I would like to know your point of view, perhaps I'm missing something that you caught.
 
#8 ·
I'm no expert, but I suspect Dan's thought is that the patina just doesn't look right for the age. Metal that old should be darker unless it was either a) cleaned up at some point or b) kept in pristine condition over the years. If it had been kept in perfect condition, there wouldn't be any of the pitting that is evident in the photos, so it must have had some rust removed to get that degree of shine back.

As I said, this is just my thought… I'm not an expert.
 
#11 ·
I would remove the original blade and store and use another blade in its place. As far as restoration try and keep the dark patina and keep it well oil and clean. Store in a plane sock when not in use for long periods. I have some old plane and I wouldn't dare remove the beautiful patina of history. Just my two cents but most of all enjoy these treasure hand planes…Blkcherry
 
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