setting up and restoring planes

[Bill Sanson]

Hey all,

I am looking for what be a unicorn but in reality is the best resource (book, video, podcast etc) to learn to restore some hand planes and properly set up and use them. I have new handplanes that I think I have cased but the older ones some of which belonged to my Grandfather I would like to learn to restore and properly set up. I rather learn how to do it right then have to relearn down the road. Thanks in advance.

BS

[Richard Krushner]

Hey all,

I am looking for what be a unicorn but in reality is the best resource (book, video, podcast etc) to learn to restore some hand planes and properly set up and use them. I have new handplanes that I think I have cased but the older ones some of which belonged to my Grandfather I would like to learn to restore and properly set up. I rather learn how to do it right then have to relearn down the road. Thanks in advance.

BS

I can only recommend for metal planes.

In relation to cleaning, I have found the following really clear and helpful:

http://www.majorpanic.com/handplane_restor1.htm

In terms of tune up:

http://forum.woodtools.ru/files/Handplane_Tune-Up.pdf

I have only used info sourced from the web (of which there is plenty available). Maybe others can comment on any books or DVDs.

[Scott Stewart]

I like the Schwarz's dvd super tune a hand plane. I don't know what to tell you about wooden bodies.

[maximillian arango]

http://www.wkfinetools.com/tRestore/planes/planesRest-index.asp

I use that site all the time it has been a great aid along side with the information already posted on this forum, there are more than a few gems here. Calling this forum a mine of gems is more appropriate.

[Jeff Heath]

Garrett Hack's book titled "The Handplane Book" is about as good as it gets. Very thorough about a lot of different planes.

[Jim Koepke]

All of the above.

I have learned a lot from the sites Richard and Maximillian mention. Also like the Garret Hack book.

There are also a few threads here that will also help.

A good place to start is right here:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?64-Neanderthal-Haven-Announcements

About the third sticky down is Neanderthal wisdom/FAQs. Inside is a lot of information about a lot of things including a few different threads about plane restoratiion

google > setting cap iron david weaver < or > chip breaker david weaver < to learn some very important information on using the chip breaker.

Then if something comes a long that has you scratching your head, this is a great place to ask.

One bit of advise, there should be a good reason before using an abrasive on the sole of a plane. Too many imply this is something every plane needs.

Most planes will work fine without it. If a plane is having trouble try to find the cause before deciding it needs to be lapped. Of course if you put a straight edge on it and it is showing bows and twists then lapping is likely in order. It is very easy to mess up the bottom of a plane if you are not careful. Of course if there is access to a machine shop that can do a minimal milling to shine up a plane that is another story.

jtk

[Jim Matthews]

The David Charlesworth series is something of a jumble (they're collected articles) but the photos are clear.

I would recommend the third in his series;
"A guide to handtools and Methods"