Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Nov 10, 2007 02:37am | #1

   'Blunt end', meaning the top, right? I have seen/bought some that were blunt on both ends and the sides. Yes, the only part that's hard and brittle is the business end. The rest of the blank should be easy enough to straighten, unless it's a L-N, Hock, Veritas, Holtey or some other brand of an all tool steel iron.

   As far as the broken screw, drill a hole in the center of the screw- 1/8"-3/16" should do. Clean the plane well, using whatever method you want- citric acid (what I use) or electrolysis. This may not need using penetrating oil once it's been cleaned. Use an easy-out or in some cases, I have been able to use a precision screwdriver, pushed in and turned slowly. Once it's out, you may be able to get a replacement from Stanley, or snoop around and find a basket case Stanley of another model. They should be the same on most models.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."