Advice: Stanley No. 79 rehab

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

Hi folks,
I was hoping to get some pointers.
I bought a vintage Stanley No. 79 online. I am looking to tune it up. The problem is unlike bench planes which have loads of tutorials on restoration, I can't really find any info on the 79

I know I need to get a new blade for one side

I'm enclosing some pictures for context:
471291471296471292471294471295471297

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

471298471299471300

Had to do it in two posts to load all the pics.

anyway I would appreciate any pointers or information I can get on tuning this plane, and what importance does flatness have on its function

Appreciated,
Assaf

[Jim Koepke]

Are the screw for the toes stuck? That can be a real problem. It might be better to leave them alone if they are stuck.

The first order of business would be to get the blades properly sharpened and see how it does.

If you do not already have a small wire brush find a vendor with welding supplies. They usually will have toothbrush sized (or slightly larger) wire brushes with brass and steel bristles. That will help remove dirt and rust if a rag alone doesn't.

The slight bow over the length might actually be good. This would have one blade cutting and the other lifted from the surface so it isn't dragging.

Getting the blade sharpened at the correct angle is important since there isn't much lateral adjustment on this plane.

jtk

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

nope toes are fine. I just needed to search for a screwdriver fine enough to fit the slot

[Jim Koepke]

nope toes are fine. I just needed to search for a screwdriver fine enough to fit the slot

Great, my advise for anyone buying these or the Stanley #98 or 99 is to inquire or check if those screws are free turning. If not, pass on buying. There are more out there. The screw has an odd thread and are difficult at best to find a replacement.

Here is an old post of mine on a few things to look for/avoid when buying used tools > https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?116419

If viewing in linear view post #18 is about side rabbet planes, Don't Fall Through the Cracks!!!, is the title.

jtk

[Stew Denton]

Assaf,

Beware and be careful. You probably have already seen it, but there appears to be small crack in the upper right hand corner of the plane in photo #6. It is to the right of the upper end of the toe piece. I am uncertain whether it is a concern, and do not know a good way to approach it.

Stew

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

Assaf,

Beware and be careful. You probably have already seen it, but there appears to be small crack in the upper right hand corner of the plane in photo #6. It is to the right of the upper end of the toe piece. I am uncertain whether it is a concern, and do not know a good way to approach it.

Stew

yes, the crack is the reason for that particular picture.

my guess is that someone dropped it on the floor at some time. it doesn't seem to hinder the functionality though