Replies

1. 
   mvflaim | Aug 23, 2009 08:08pm | #1

   http://www.libertyonthehudson.com/pontypool.html

    

   http://www.mvflaim.com

1. 
   woodshaver | Aug 23, 2009 08:47pm | #2

   thanks mvflaim.
   just what I was looking for.

2. 
   JohnWW | Aug 24, 2009 07:14pm | #3

   Use gloss black spray on auto engine enamel, preferably over a primer, nobody will know the difference. It is much easier to use and a lot less expensive.

   Only very old planes used the asphaltum based stuff, most manufacturers were using ordinary enamel paints by the 1920's. They still called it "Japanning" but that only meant a glossy paint of any color, not just black. I have old formula books that list many different recipes for Japanning with all sorts of ingredients.

   John White, Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007

1. 
   woodshaver | Aug 25, 2009 05:49pm | #4

   thanks John
   thats more up my ally. mark

2. 
   Tony Z | Aug 27, 2009 04:00pm | #5

   John,

   The paint to look for is "Duracoat Engine" and comes in flat, semi & gloss black.  The local autoparts stores all stock it.  Several coats, let dry, leave the plane in the shop to gather saw dust and no one will tell the difference!

   T.Z.

3. 
   Handrubbed | Oct 21, 2009 09:06pm | #7

   John, I have to respectfully disagree with you regarding your post in reference to japanning vs. paint on hand planes. On your first point, I believe it is very easy to tell a repainted plane from one with a japan finish.  I don't think sprayed paint would fool anyone who has spent any time around antique tools.  There is nothing wrong with engine paint or high solids enamel, if you realize that it is a substitute and not the real thing.  A properly applied asphaltium japan finish, which is brushed or dipped can be very hard to distinguish from original.

   I also have to disagree that Stanley discontinued japanning in the 1920's.  In fact your mention of this is the only one I have ever seen.  Do you recall where you learned this?  Japan finish was used continuously throughout Stanley's production of their planes until they went to the burgundy color in the 1970's.

   Edited 10/21/2009 5:18 pm ET by Handrubbed

1. 
   lwj2 | Oct 25, 2009 06:37am | #8

   I refurbed a Stanley #3 several years ago, when purchased the japan finish was at ~60%, the lacquer on the totes was <30%.

   I stripped the remaining finish from them, flattened the sole, squared the sides, tuned it and then sprayed black gloss enamel (no idea what brand, I picked it up from AFI here) on the interior and finished the totes with a tung mixture of my own.

   It won't pass muster as an "original" Bailey — and I don't care. It works, it pleases me that I had a hand in making it a better tool.Leon

3. 
   PrunusSerotina | Aug 27, 2009 06:42pm | #6

   Or, just for a cool look, you could spray it with hammertone black paint. It leaves a really cool looking finish, imho.