Recently purchased a compass plane (I think this is what this one is called–the kind whose sole conforms to concave and convex forms). The plane works fine for what I purchased it for–i.e., planing the backrests of the chairs I’m making.
Still I have a question: Is it possible to have the sole replaced? The rust is close enough to the pins that hold it to the front and back sides of the adjsutment mechanism and I’m afraid that at some point it will weaken and bust.
This is a user and I’m more interested in putting it to use than I am in keeping it as a museum piece (It’s an old Stanley)
Suggestions? Advice? Information about replacing the sole?
Thanks
Replies
You can replace the sole with some effort but there isn't a source for parts or anyone that I know of who specializes in that sort of work, so you would have to do the work yourself or find someone like a retired machinist who restores old tools for fun. It is hard to say for sure without seeing the tool, but "If it ain't broke don't fix it", would probably apply here.
If you store the plane in a dry environment, so it won't rust in the future, and rub some furniture wax into any pitted spots around the pins to further keep moisture out, the plane will probably be fine.
John W.
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