Richard Gillespie
02-10-2004, 8:15 AM
I put this thread on the Off Topic Forum instead of the Neanderthal Haven because I'm not really raising any questions.
I have about 36 cast iron planes that I've bought from several sources. Most of them were very rusty when I got them. For some strange reason, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to restore them back to working order and a much better appearance. I will admit that I've complained about the time required to flatten soles and irons, some are worse than others. Three or four of those I'm still fighting.
There are those that collect these planes and look for those that are in mint condition or of a unique configuration. Thus, they acquire a much higher value. I'm looking for users. I thereby feel, I'm honoring the original intent of the tool, it's use.
I am amazed at the inventiveness and ingenuity of our forefathers. The iron plane can trace its origins back to the Roman Empire or before. The improvements created by Mr. Bailey in the 19th century still, to this day, give great performance. I have several modern planes that show this ingenuity is still alive and working. I am also very thankful for all the information shared on this and other forums. Everyday I learn something new about this craft.
In summation, to take a ball of rust, clean, tune, and restore to working order is a nice way to spend a few hours. To then use it on a working project places a smile on my face every time. My being able to work the wood with hand tools makes me feel I am connected somehow to those men of years ago who had no other way of working.
I hope I haven't bored anyone with this statement.
I have about 36 cast iron planes that I've bought from several sources. Most of them were very rusty when I got them. For some strange reason, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to restore them back to working order and a much better appearance. I will admit that I've complained about the time required to flatten soles and irons, some are worse than others. Three or four of those I'm still fighting.
There are those that collect these planes and look for those that are in mint condition or of a unique configuration. Thus, they acquire a much higher value. I'm looking for users. I thereby feel, I'm honoring the original intent of the tool, it's use.
I am amazed at the inventiveness and ingenuity of our forefathers. The iron plane can trace its origins back to the Roman Empire or before. The improvements created by Mr. Bailey in the 19th century still, to this day, give great performance. I have several modern planes that show this ingenuity is still alive and working. I am also very thankful for all the information shared on this and other forums. Everyday I learn something new about this craft.
In summation, to take a ball of rust, clean, tune, and restore to working order is a nice way to spend a few hours. To then use it on a working project places a smile on my face every time. My being able to work the wood with hand tools makes me feel I am connected somehow to those men of years ago who had no other way of working.
I hope I haven't bored anyone with this statement.