I recently was given an older #6, and a #7 stanley planes. I also have an old craftsman plane that is about 13.75 inches long that I would like to get back in shape. (by the way what number plane would that be?)
My guess is that the first thing I should do is see how flat the bottom of these planes are. If they need to be fine tuned or flattened a little bit how would you do that with such a long plane?
The frog, blades, etc have a some rust on them I did by some evapo rust and plan on submerging the plane blades etc in the evaporust to see how much rust comes off. If I need to replace the blades how would i go about replacing them. My thought is to just bring them to a Woodcraft store or Rockler and get one that is the same dimensions. If the other parts of the planes are too rusty also and need to be replaced as well where would you go, how would you know what you are buying will fit these planes etc…?
Any other tips are appreciated.
Kenney66
Replies
"If I need to replace the blades how would i go about replacing them. My thought is to just bring them to a Woodcraft store or Rockler and get one that is the same dimensions."
As I learned the hard way, you also need to verify that the dimensions of the slot are also compatible with your plane. There are several aftermarket plane blades available, and if they claim to fit, say, a Stanley #6, then they should work in your #6.
-Steve
If I need to replace the blades how would i go about replacing them. My thought is to just bring them to a Woodcraft store or Rockler and get one that is the same dimensions. If the other parts of the planes are too rusty also and need to be replaced as well where would you go, how would you know what you are buying will fit these planes etc...?
I recommend Hock and LN:
http://www.hocktools.com/products.htm
http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?cat=512
FWIW
"My guess is that the first thing I should do is see how flat the bottom of these planes are. " Kenney, I just got my first Stanley #7 this week. Our own Bob Smalser cautioned me at another forum to be careful when flattening the sole, and posted the picture below to show me which areas actually need to be (in) flat. The danger in overdoing the flattening, he explained, is that one can inadvertently widen the mouth, rendering the plane sorely handicapped.
CREDIT: Bob Smalser in this thread <click>
View Image
Hock and LN are very good and compatible with the old Stanley planes. Also I have heard that the Clifton blades and frogs work. Get an A2 blade, you won't regret it.
Kenney,
For such a long plane, the best way to flatten the sole is probably to sprinkle some silicon carbide grit on a sheet of tempered glass.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
The way you tell if your blades need to be replaced is if they are pitted on the back (opposite the bevel) and if the pits don't disappear when you hone the back flat.
The Evaporust will remove the rust very well, but will not remove any pits that may be there.
The Craftsman plane sounds like a jack plane, similar to a Stanley #5.
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