Wooden Try Plane Refurbishment.

[Stewie Simpson]

Started work on refurbishing an early made wooden Try Plane. The makers mark; Edward Preston & Sons, Trade EP Mark, Warranted, Birmingham, England. Length 22" x Width 3 3/8", 2 1/2" original 2 piece iron, slight camber to the cutting edge.

The original diamond impact pad is missing, the top surface is badly bruised from long term impact with a wooden mallet, the wooden tote has some slight damage to its top horn, as well as hairline crack forward of the finger hole, and the wooden sole a slight concave curve and some deep grooving.

Removing the wooden tote proved quite challenging, but after a combination of strategies it eventually freed itself, albeit with some moderate force.

show the severe bruising to the forward top surface of the plane body.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0354_zpsxvtjsqvr.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0354_zpsxvtjsqvr.jpg.html)

wooden sole showing deep groove marks.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0355_zpstfcsqxjw.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0355_zpstfcsqxjw.jpg.html)

top surface of the plane body after dressing back.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0356_zpsxef1sl69.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0356_zpsxef1sl69.jpg.html)

original makers mark on the underside of the planes tote.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0357_zps6ensduii.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0357_zps6ensduii.jpg.html)

I am not overly keen to waste my time documenting the full refurbishment process, but will post the odd update as time permits.

Stewie;

[Tony Wilkins]

Interested to see how this goes along. Have a similar jointer in a little better shape but may eventually need sound TLC.

[Graham Haydon]

Please do post, I hope it would encourage others to pick one up and put it to use.

[Terry Beadle]

I also request politely for you to post as I love my woodies.
Thanks!

[Stewie Simpson]

The sole of the plane after being dressed back and checked for misalignment using the winding sticks and a steel straight edge.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0360_zpshsgxpaci.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0360_zpshsgxpaci.jpg.html)

The sole of the plane was then scribe'd with pencil highlight, prior to being flat sanded on 220 grit. After flat sanding, the double iron and wedge were installed to check the mouth clearance in front of the cutting edge. The measurement taken was 3/32", more than adequate for a double iron plane. The grain direction on the sole was running from toe to heel as it should be. The slight shadow seen in the next photo was from the laser light roofing.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0359_zpsoa5v2hlw.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0359_zpsoa5v2hlw.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[steven c newman]

Looking good so far! Seems to have had almost as much abuse as an Ohio Tool Co. No. 81 that I had to tune up....

For some reason, mine had a banana sole, high spot was the area around the mouth opening. How was yours?

[Stewie Simpson]

Steven; there was a slight convex to the sole.

I must say, I am a little surprised at the interest shown within this wooden plane refurbishment. Its much too primitive in shape, the body of the plane its not made of a cast metal, and it doesn't have a threaded depth adjuster. :confused:

Stewie;

[steven c newman]

350675
Mine also needed a bit of work around the mouth, as it was no longer square to the sides..
350676
Seems to do ok once cleaned up....

[Bill White]

Keep it coming Stewie.
It is amazing how similar my 17" W. Butcher ironed jack looks.
Bill

[Kees Heiden]

I am curious were you are going with the finish on this one. Personally I love old patina. The sides of this plane look marvelous to me.

[Stewie Simpson]

Kees; then you are likely to be disappointed to hear that the old patina on this ole plane will be completely removed. The makers stamp on the front end of the plane will be preserved.

Stewie;

[Pat Barry]

Nice project Stewie!

[Stewie Simpson]

All 4 sides of the planes stock have been dressed back and squared off, followed up by a sacrificial sealant coat to protect the bare wood from later staining during the next stage of refurbishment. Its likely Linseed Oil would have been the original finish used by the planes maker at that time period, but I wont be replicating its use as I personally consider its by-product's too volatile to have in my workshop. Other means will be used to try and replicate the darker aged patina of the timber.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0361_zpsgxpfzek1.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0361_zpsgxpfzek1.jpg.html)

[Kees Heiden]

Kees; then you are likely to be disappointed to hear that the old patina on this ole plane will be completely removed. The makers stamp on the front end of the plane will be preserved.

Stewie;

That's why I am curious what you'll do anh how it's going to look.

[Jon Shank]

I think there's alot of us with a soft spot for the old woodies. I've only got 2 (bench planes, some hollows and rounds, and a couple plows etc, but 2 normal bench planes) but one is an Ohio Tools jack that looks quite a bit like yours. Squarish, beat up and filthy, rescued from my father in laws garage where it had been sitting since he was a young 'un, but even before I touched it it worked to a degree. I've cleaned it up quite a bit now but it still certainly shows it's age and abuse. I have to admit, I enjoy the patina and couldn't bring myself to mess with those surfaces other than cleaning. A strong, probably overly much cleaning if you where trying to preserve collector value, but well it's a beat and abused Ohio Tools jack, I'm not worried about that, just wanted it to look (and smell, yeah, seriously, paint, tar, oil, soot, geebus) better. When I saw that you had planed the top surface, a little part of me went WHAT?!?. Don't get me wrong, your tool, your thing, more power to you, just surprised me. The sole is a matter of making the plane work right, so it's fair game, but to me the abuse tells a story and I'm keeping it. Interested to see what you do with it though, I'd love to see more progress pics too. I don't recall if I've ever responded to one of your posts before, but I always enjoy them and am fascinated, so thanks for that.

Jon

[Stewie Simpson]

The top and end profiles on the planes stock have been re-applied, and a test coat of Danish Oil with a darkening additive trialed. It will likely take another 4 to 5 coats to achieve the finish I am after. Tomorrow I will add the a leading edge wear bevel to the front end of the sole, then add some further coats of top finish. I will also need to order in some Liquid Hide Glue so its available when needed. A few other jobs to be do include a replacement front impact block, and repairs to the rear tote. Expect a lengthy delay on the next update.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0363_zpsks15xjk1.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0363_zpsks15xjk1.jpg.html)

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Jon, appreciate the feedback. This woodie is for personal use, so I am not overly concerned on resale value. I wouldn't recommend this level of refurbishment unless your have some prior experience on how they are traditionally made. There is a fair chance if you were to ask a lot of woodworkers to use this type of bench plane, the 1st question your likely to receive is "where's the depth adjuster."

regards Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

Its difficult to get an exact date of manufacture on this plane. From the available online data it looks to be within a time period of 1889 - 1932.

Stewie;


In 1889 Edward Preston Jr.'s three sons were brought into the firm and the name was changed to Edward Preston & Sons. Part of the firm's output was a healthy line of malleable and gun-metal planes and patent adjustable iron smoothers, shoulder planes, bullnose and block planes - a range that was expanded in later years. The 1901 catalogue shows several styles of planes which were unique to the Preston brand, along with the usual styles which had already been set by other makers such as Spiers and Norris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._Norris_%26_Son).[6] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Preston_%26_Sons#cite_note-6)
The death of Edward Preston Jr. was reported in the Lichfield Mercury (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichfield_Mercury) of 26 September 1913: "Mr. Preston was decidedly of an innovative turn of mind," the newspaper wrote, "as many of the machines in use at his works, as well as of the tools produced were the invention of himself and his three sons, who now manage the business."[7] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Preston_%26_Sons#cite_note-7) The report noted that at the time of his death, the business was carried on at Whittall Works, Cheston Street, Aston (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston), Birmingham.
Later years[edit (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_Preston_%26_Sons&action=edit&section=2)]

Falling on hard times, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was sold to John Rabone & Sons in 1932 and shortly thereafter manufacturing rights to some of the Preston range of planes were sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who would later merge with the Record Tool Company. Some of the Preston planes were directly added to the Record line by the Hampton firm, while others were modified or discontinued altogether.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Preston_%26_Sons

[Brian Holcombe]

Nicely done Stewie, certainly looks nice and crisp again.

I'm curious about the sole, when I install the irons I notice that the supporting wood, directly under the irons will deflect outward causing a slight hump to appear on the sole. On Japanese planes we acknowledge and attend to that hump (removing it). On Western planes I almost never see comment WRT the hump (maybe a better description could be made on my part than 'hump'), however I have attended to it on the planes that I use (David's build) and noticed an improvement in certain months of the year when the sole is slightly bellied.

So my question; have you checked the sole for flatness with the irons installed?

[Chuck Nickerson]

Kees; then you are likely to be disappointed to hear that the old patina on this ole plane will be completely removed. The makers stamp on the front end of the plane will be preserved.

Stewie;

This is the part of the process I hope you document for us. I've trued up a couple dozen woodies recently, but I left the heels and toes alone and have not done anything to balance the finish.

[Stewie Simpson]

Nicely done Stewie, certainly looks nice and crisp again.

I'm curious about the sole, when I install the irons I notice that the supporting wood, directly under the irons will deflect outward causing a slight hump to appear on the sole. On Japanese planes we acknowledge and attend to that hump (removing it). On Western planes I almost never see comment WRT the hump (maybe a better description could be made on my part than 'hump'), however I have attended to it on the planes that I use (David's build) and noticed an improvement in certain months of the year when the sole is slightly bellied.

So my question; have you checked the sole for flatness with the irons installed?

Hi Brian; apologies for not replying sooner. The sole of the plane was flattened without the double iron fitted. Bearing in mind that the beam strength on this Western Woodie is likely 2 fold to your average Japanese plane, I don't expect to see much of a change when the sole is under load. I will double check this with the double irons fitted nearer to completing this refurbishment.

I agree with your assessment on seasonal change. Its much easier to manage a slight convex within the sole, than a concave sole. Appreciate the feedback.

regards Stewie;

[Brian Holcombe]

Anytime!

I'm curious to see your findings, I was surprised to find it on my planes to be honest, given the higher bedding angle, but lo and behold.

[Jerry Olexa]

Nice work, Stewie....The Danish oil did its work..Looks good...Thanks

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Jerry; its taken on a much darker appearance after applying some extra coats this morning. The additive I mixed in with the Danish Oil has worked out nicely.

regards Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

Repairs to the damaged top edge of the iron have been completed, the cutting edge re-honed to a light camber, and the softer steel above the harder laminate re-blackened on both sides. The top height of the wooden wedge has also been shortened by 1/2" to make it easier to adjust the double iron's depth of cut.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0364_zpsvoi1bcb0.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0364_zpsvoi1bcb0.jpg.html)

As a matter of interest, the original deflection angle on the front edge of the cap iron was measured at 30 degrees, for a bed angle of 47 degrees.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0365_zpspbxqsnee.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0365_zpspbxqsnee.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[Kees Heiden]

Hi Stewie,

I am curious about the leading edge of that capiron. My Nooitgedagt plane irons also have a very flat bevel on the capiron, but ultimately at the very edge they do steepen up to almost 45 degrees. It takes some close scrutiny though to recognise this, here under magnification.

350916

In my experience you can make a lower angle work too, but its effect becomes less, so you need to set the capiron even closer to the edge. In a wooden plane you don't want the angle too steep, because chocking is always a real possibility.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Kees; I have just returned from the workshop after reading your post. I ended up clamping the cap iron in a machine vice and checked the leading edge under a L.E.D. magnifying lens. There was a slight change in reflected light approx. 0.5mm in width from the leading edge. From a side view the change in angle would represent little more than a 1 degree increase above the primary angle. My best guess, is likely the result of the cap iron being previously stoned to remove the wire edge. From here, its likely we will have to wait until the refurbishment on this plane has been completed, and I can test the plane in use for tear-out. I tend to agree with your comment that a woodie requires less of a deflection angle than its metal bodied cousins.

On another note, I should have expanded further on my take of a light camber. It equates to a value of 0.4 - 0.5mm projection across the full span of blades 2 1/2" width. There is a formula somewhere to work out the actual radial but I don't tend to worry about using it.

Hopefully the above information is of some assistance.

regards Stewie;

[Phil Mueller]

Enjoying the restoration, Stewie. Thanks for posting. If the wedge you show represents the color you achieved with the darkening agent, it looks very close to a 100 years of patina. Nicely done.

[Stewie Simpson]

Repairs to the rear tote have been completed, and the below mortise line taped off to prevent the oil finish interfering with the later use of Liquid Hide Glue.http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0366_zpswhfj1zyf.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0366_zpswhfj1zyf.jpg.html)

The Danish Oil with the darkening additive being applied to try and colour match the developing patina on the planes stock. It can take numerous coats to get the look I am after. Then its left to a later application of dark wax and mother nature to build on that. Not what you would catagorize as a rocket science approach.


http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0367_zpstm1hmv2r.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0367_zpstm1hmv2r.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0368_zpsyaynmblt.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0368_zpsyaynmblt.jpg.html)

Stewie

[Stewie Simpson]

As this photo clearly shows, I will need to go back and apply the same mix of top coat I am using for the rear tote to the main stock of this wooden plane.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0369_zpsugmakrql.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0369_zpsugmakrql.jpg.html)

[Stewie Simpson]

The list of work to complete this Try Plane's refurbishment has narrowed considerably. A filler block has been glued in place just forward of the rear tote with a matching 10 degree bevel to help lock it in place with the later application of Titebond Liquid Hide Glue.

The pin marks for the missing strike block indicate it was previously flush mount, and rectangular in shape. I will be using a 4x shouldered mortise and tenon joint for the new strike block. Unlike the tote, the joint needs to withstand the demands of ongoing impact with a mallet, so a different type of Titebond Glue will be used. https://www.timbecon.com.au/joinery/no-drip-no-run-glue

The mortise for the new strike block has been done, ready for the next stage of shaping the tenon to fit using an off-cut of Walnut.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0371_zpso3akyase.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0371_zpso3akyase.jpg.html)

[Graham Haydon]

Looks great!

[Stewie Simpson]

Its was a warm as a Turkish Sauna in the workshop today. Was able to finish shaping the front strike block and give it a test fit. Good to go. Courier arrived with a package of Titebond Glue's. I can start work on gluing in the tote and strike block tomorrow morning.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0372_zpsyeiaq9si.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0372_zpsyeiaq9si.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0373_zpswnibybfx.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0373_zpswnibybfx.jpg.html)

[Stewie Simpson]

Looks great!

Thanks Graham; very close now to being completed.

Stewie;

[george wilson]

I have always made my strike knobs from a single piece of wood,with the grain going vertical. That is,you strike the end grain of the wood used for the strike block. Nothing to pop loose from a hammer blow.

Looks nice,Stewie!

[Warren Mickley]

I don't think the plane ever had a strike block

[Pat Barry]

I don't think the plane ever had a strike block
If that is the case it's a nice addition!

[Kees Heiden]

I have heard about those English planes with a leather patch nailed to the top in the position of the strikeblock. I don't know if that was ever an original factory option, or if it was a popular users modification. I think the latter.

But nothing wrong with a nice solid strike block of course.

The plane looks good Stewie, but I still prefer the original patina :D

[Stewie Simpson]

I have always made my strike knobs from a single piece of wood,with the grain going vertical. That is,you strike the end grain of the wood used for the strike block. Nothing to pop loose from a hammer blow.

Looks nice,Stewie!

Thanks George; I agree on the end grain orientation for a strike block.

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

I don't think the plane ever had a strike block

Hi Warren; the original pin marks tell a different story. From the pattern of those pins marks I was also able to ascertain the original strike block was rectangular in shape.

Stewie;

[Bill Houghton]

Stewie - you're removing a field-applied corrugated sole???

Good looking plane; I bet it'll be lovely when it's done.

[Jeff Heath]

Very nice write up on this. The plane looks great to me, and if it works as well as it looks, you've got a fantastic tool. Thank you for posting.

Original or not, and I believe you've done your due diligence, the strike block is great. I install one on all my plane builds, jack to jointer. I've been using up bits of a large timber of blackwood, endgrain up (and down).

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Jeff. I think we can all agree this woodie has a strike block now. The rear tote and strike block were glued in place this morning. No issues encountered. I will let it sit for 12 hours to allow both glue types to harden up, before applying 2 clear coats of Danish Oil. I also need to recheck the sole flatness with the double irons installed, before giving this Try Plane a test drive..

For applying Liquid Hide Glue into tight gaps that show within the fit of the rear tote to its mortise , I can recommend the use cheap disposable Syringes. (seen within the previous photo posted).

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

Stewie - you're removing a field-applied corrugated sole???

Good looking plane; I bet it'll be lovely when it's done.

Bill; if it were my woodie from day 1 that sole would not have reached such a corrugated state. Its one of the benefits of a wooden soled plane. So much easier to flatten compared to metal soles. They also give a totally different sound to metal soles, allowing greater feedback to the user.

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

How to raise a sweat with your woodwork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N97nZLCNhG4

[Stewie Simpson]

Just to recap where this Try Planes refurbishments stood 48hrs ago. The rear tote and front strike block needed gluing in, and the top coat finish hadn't been started.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0372_zpsyeiaq9si.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0372_zpsyeiaq9si.jpg.html)

And now. The rear tote and front strike block have been glued in. Followed by 3 coats of clear Danish Oil, 3 coats of Garnet Shellac, the surface then worked over with a cutting paste, and lastly 2 coats of tinted paste wax buffed to a medium sheen. End result looks reasonable. It will darken further over time to closer resemble its patina prior to refurbishment.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0374_zpsmzfrqe9w.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0374_zpsmzfrqe9w.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0375_zpsurfgn8zf.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0375_zpsurfgn8zf.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0376_zpsqs9ukto3.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0376_zpsqs9ukto3.jpg.html)

All that remains is to double check the soles flatness with the double irons in place, wax the sole, and test this wooden Try Plane's performance.

Stewie;

[Kees Heiden]

You did a great job on the patination! My compliments. Could you give some details on what kind of colors you used?

[Stewie Simpson]

You did a great job on the patination! My compliments. Could you give some details on what kind of colors you used?

Kees; Black and Red Powder Tints.

Stewie;

[Kees Heiden]

Thank you.

[Stewie Simpson]

Used the Try Plane this morning to dress flat 1 face and edge of a rough sawn board of Douglas-Fir.(Oregon)
The plane did an excellent job. Moderately thick to thin shavings were shooting out of the escarpment with no signs of build up at the mouth opening. The newly fitted strike block also works a treat. As I mentioned in an earlier post, a wooden plane makes a beautiful sound, distinctly different to a metal sole.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0377_zpstv2razyp.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/woode%20try%20plane%20refurbishment/_DSC0377_zpstv2razyp.jpg.html)

Brian H. I checked the sole for flatness with the irons fitted. Little change had occurred. If anything, there was a slight hint of favour to the toe and heel when worked over a flat glass surface of 220 grit.

This refurbishment has come to end.


regards Stewie;

[Normand Leblanc]

That was a really interesting post and the result is great. Thanks!

Normand

[Robert Hazelwood]

Very nicely done Stewie. I know what you mean regarding the sound of the wooden plane, and it is a beautiful thing.

[Jerry Olexa]

Excellent work, Stewie,,,,

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks Stewie, appreciate the feedback! Very nicely done, the plane will serve you well.

[Michael L. Martin]

It's a beauty. Very nice job!

I was in a local antique shop last weekend looking at a handful of this type of planes. They would have made good kindling.

[Stewie Simpson]

Michael; I see your a retired Carpenter. Was there none worth refurbishing.

Stewie;

[Michael L. Martin]

The wooden planes I looked at were so badly checked throughout that I could not see how they would be brought back to usable condition.

Your thread inspired me to clean up my Grandfathers' (was also a Carpenter) molding planes. Of course in his time period they relied on wooden planes to complete a number of projects. He had a nice assortment of planes, but thru the years many have disappeared, and a few were just worn out. No try or jointer planes, so I remain on the lookout for a nice one to refurb.
I just lack your expertise in the refurbishment portion of the work.

[Jeff Heath]

Beautiful job. I really like the strike button's look. Did you have to rework the escapement, or was it clearing chips before. I didn't see where you mentioned that earlier, so apologies if it was covered.

Nothing better, to me, than the sound and feel of a well tuned woodie doing it's job. I filled a garbage can yesterday to overflow flattening and smoothing a table top yesterday.

[Graham Haydon]

Great work!

[Stewie Simpson]

Beautiful job. I really like the strike button's look. Did you have to rework the escapement, or was it clearing chips before. I didn't see where you mentioned that earlier, so apologies if it was covered.

Nothing better, to me, than the sound and feel of a well tuned woodie doing it's job. I filled a garbage can yesterday to overflow flattening and smoothing a table top yesterday.

Jeff; the escarpment needed no refinements..

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

The wooden planes I looked at were so badly checked throughout that I could not see how they would be brought back to usable condition.

Your thread inspired me to clean up my Grandfathers' (was also a Carpenter) molding planes. Of course in his time period they relied on wooden planes to complete a number of projects. He had a nice assortment of planes, but thru the years many have disappeared, and a few were just worn out. No try or jointer planes, so I remain on the lookout for a nice one to refurb.
I just lack your expertise in the refurbishment portion of the work.

Hi Michael; I just purchased an early wooden Jack Plane that is in need of some TLC to bring it back to a serviceable condition. Interestingly, its maker is from your side of the pond. How much work is involved will need to be accessed when it arrives in the post.

If forum members have any information available on this plane-maker which can be used to determine this jack planes date of manufacture, it would be greatly appreciated.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2004_zpss7egd6nj.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2004_zpss7egd6nj.jpg.htm l)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2001_zpssup3ox5g.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2001_zpssup3ox5g.jpg.htm l)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2005_zpsliykhg97.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2005_zpsliykhg97.jpg.htm l)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2002_zps9gzo4lz3.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2002_zps9gzo4lz3.jpg.htm l)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2003_zpsx1mrpcov.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2003_zpsx1mrpcov.jpg.htm l)

[Stewie Simpson]

My thanks and appreciation to Joe Bailey for his help.

https://workingbyhand.wordpress.com/tag/wooden-planes/

http://swingleydev.com/ot/get/100097/thread/

[Stewie Simpson]

My thanks and appreciation to Don McConnell for his assistance.


A Chapin Discount sheet from that date mentions the "J. Pearce." mark in connection with Chapins' "common bench planes." The numbering system for this part of their line was:

100 Smoothing plane, single iron
101 Jack plane, single iron
102 Fore [try] plane, single iron
103 Jointer plane, single iron

108 Smoothing plane, double iron
109 Jack plane, double iron
110 Fore [try] plane, double iron
111 Jointer plane, double iron

The 1925 price list has the same numbering system for their common bench planes, but gives no indication of the J. Pearce mark.

In any event, your plane's iron seems to have the Chapin-Stephens mark, which, if original, (and I suspect it is), then your plane post-dates 1901 when the two firms were combined. So, possible dates for it would be 1901 to 1929, when Stanley bought the firm out and discontinued the wooden plane portion of the business.


http://theclampguy.info/hist_ch.htm

[Stewie Simpson]

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2003_zpsx1mrpcov.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/j%20pearce%20jack%20plane/J%20PEARCE%20JACK%20PLANE%2003_zpsx1mrpcov.jpg.htm l)

If that wedge is original to the plane, there will be a need to add a full laminated sole.

[Stewie Simpson]

Just a word of caution if your looking to purchase an old wooden bench plane from ebay in particular. Make sure the single or double iron combo looks to match the planes maker. I had the opportunity recently to purchase another Try Plane made by well respected Scottish plane maker A. Mathieson & Sons, but then noticed the 2 1/2" double iron that was being provided was a only a cheaper Ward. Sure enough, looking further into the other items the seller was offering was a Mathieson 2 1/2" being sold separately at a reasonably expensive price. What the seller may/or may not realize is that the wedge abutments on the main stock of the plane have been shaped to suit the original double irons, and that any variation within the tolerances from the original to the newer Ward combo would need fettling in before the plane would function correctly. Add to that; a wooden bench plane without its original makers irons is a far less attractive proposition for those who have some depth of knowledge on the subject.

To cut a long story short, I ended bypassed that sellers offer, and went ahead with purchasing this J.Pearce Jack Plane from a different seller.

Stewie;