ben grossman
06-09-2010, 12:34 PM
I picked up a Keen Kutter KK8 recently, and though I haven’t torn it apart to rebuild it yet, seems to be in pretty fair shape with the exception that the tote was broken (and re-assembled with nails), and after playing with it at home some more I see the edge of the lever cap is damaged. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it when I bought it, but I’m still pretty new to all this stuff so that’s my excuse.
I don’t have pictures at the moment because the plane is a bit inaccessible, but the edge of the lever cap is chipped pretty badly. I don’t think the back is damaged much, or I probably would have noticed it (other than a good layer of rust on the whole thing). Is this something to worry about, or should I just grind it flat/smooth and keep using it? If I need to replace it, is a replacement from the Stanley tools website OK or do I need to hunt for another #8?
I also picked up a nice little Union #4(1/2?), and a Stanley/Bailey #5, that seem to be in very good condition, aside from some grime and a little rust. I need to find a good block plane now, but I am thinking about just getting a new one from Lee-Nielsen or Lee Valley.
I don’t have pictures at the moment because the plane is a bit inaccessible, but the edge of the lever cap is chipped pretty badly. I don’t think the back is damaged much, or I probably would have noticed it (other than a good layer of rust on the whole thing). Is this something to worry about, or should I just grind it flat/smooth and keep using it? If I need to replace it, is a replacement from the Stanley tools website OK or do I need to hunt for another #8?
I also picked up a nice little Union #4(1/2?), and a Stanley/Bailey #5, that seem to be in very good condition, aside from some grime and a little rust. I need to find a good block plane now, but I am thinking about just getting a new one from Lee-Nielsen or Lee Valley.