Tuning Hand Tools

[Mark Kelly]

Ok, recently I decided I need to check some of my hand tools for trueness and if not then I need to tune them. However, I have run into some difficulties.

First, I have a craftsman combination square (given to me years ago before I got into WW). Needless to say, it is out of tune. The lengthwise sides of the rule are flat, BUT, the rule itself is not flat. If I lay it down on a bench, it has a very slight wobble. Is there any way of tuning this or would it be better to purchase a REAL combination square?

Second, if I was to purchase a better combination square, any brands that I should consider?

Third, I have a "new" stanley jack plane. And just like I found out after I purchased it, they will probably need a LOT more work than an older pre-WWII one. Needless to say, near the mouth, the sole is slightly convex. And the iron is slightly concave when checking the blade across the cutting edge. Any thoughts on how to fix these?

I used long strips (3 feet) of sandpaper (100-220 grit) to flatten the sole. However, to get it to where it is now, took FOREVER! And now I have to go back and do it again! Is there a faster way to flatten the sole?

Sorry for the endless questions. Just in case I didn't ask enough I have one more. Any brands/thoughts on getting a quality straight edge-level (from 3 feet to 6 feet)?

[Eddie Severt]

[

Starrett- Ebay is usually the cheapest place, but check around.

[Alan Turner]

I second the Starrett recommendation. Go for the hardened one. Or, buy new from Lee Valley. I think the basic comb. sq, without the protractor head or centering head, is about $62, and that way you will get the satin finish rule.
As to the sole problem, try using drywall grid sanding medium, not sure of precise name, from a big box. About 4 x 9 or so. End to end. Put it on top of 100 grit wet dry, stuck down (3M, No. 77). The swarf falls into the grid, which helps with flatness, and without the swarf buildup, it cuts much, much faster.
Alan

[Don Kugelberg]

I agree with Alan - 120 grit drywall screen is the way to go - cheap and effective. I also agree that you should try eBay for a better combination square, besides Starrett you may also want to search for Brown and Sharpe, they made comparable squares and are usually cheaper than Starrett since they lack the name recognition.

[Bob Smalser]

These might help:

Tuning Squares and Levels

http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=002085&p=


An Inexpensive 50-Degree Smoothing Plane

http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=009153

http://www.woodworking.org/Exchange/Forum2/HTML/013442.html

Files, Filing, Filling and Finishing…..Metal

http://gunshop.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011901

Spoke Shave Tune Up

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=

http://www.woodworking.org/Exchange/Forum2/HTML/012933.html


Rehabbing Old Tools

http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=008528&p=

Rehabbing Old Planes

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1886&highlight=rehabbing

Rehabbing Old Chisels

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1873&highlight=rehabbing