Plane Rehab

[Nicholas Lingg]

I've been working to clean up a Stanley 45. It is not rusted out but has a lot of oxidation. I found something that is working to remove the light rust and dirt. Is's a sandblast cabinet from Grizzly http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mini-Sandblaster/T27359 I'm using 80 grit glass beads from Tractor Supply, http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/black-bull-no-80-grit-abrasive-glass-beads-50-lb-drum?cm_vc=-10005 , at 50 PSI. It is only removing the rust dirt and flaking nickel, any nickel that is still good is being cleaned but not removed. I was thinking about re-nickel plating some of the parts but I think I will just coat them with mold Rust Preventive http://www.slideproducts.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?skucat=429

[Mike Brady]

I have sandblasted a few old planes to prepare them for painting / japanning. In general, I find that sandblasting is overkill. Likewise, it is possible to re-plate pieces, but you have to remove all of the old plating and prepare the surface carefully for the new plate. Also, the nickel should go over copper plate if you expect it to last. Bottom line is that you could be looking at at bunch of work and expense. I found enough good lever caps when I was collecting that had nice plating on them that I just used those when the plane type called for a plated lever cap. I eventually came to the conclusion that a less was more when it comes to restoration, and that the performance of the tool was more important; otherwise your are just a tool collector.

[george wilson]

Do NOT sandblast the plane. It will just make the surfaces look strange and non original. And,you can expect QUICK rusting if you do not oil it after sand blasting,because all oils are removed by the process.

[Pat Barry]

Lots of places use something less aggressive than glass beads in their sandlabaster - for example walnut shells I believe or else plastic beads. These are not hard enough to cause metal damage but will remove flaky paint and surface rust quite easily

[Jim Koepke]

Some call it ugly oxidation, others think of it as the patina of age.

If it doesn't come off on the work piece, then it is usually okay.

jtk

[Robert Engel]

I used a soda blaster. The plating was already toast so I don't think I hurt it.
I did not replate it just keep it oiled.