GazPal":2cp6nn2z said:
Hi Andy
I don't mind using the word tote, but tend to carry tools in them rather than use one to hold onto.
Does that mean that the thing you pick it up and carry it by is the tote tote?
Enough of this - we're not helping cliveskelton clean his plane up. Clive - you'll find that most planes, unless they are in really bad order, will clean up with a bit of white spirit and a toothbrush. Take the plane to bits fist, and clean each individual piece. Then sharpen the cutter, put a tiny drop of oil on the adjusting bits and on screwthreads, reassemble the plane, set it carefully to give a fine cut, and try it out. Try readjusting it to take the very finest of shavings, then try adjusting it to give a heavy cut. If it will do both, you don't really need to do much more to it (though you can tune it up more if you want to - see previous links in this thread).
Any serious rust can be removed by one of several methods - electrolysis, proprietary gloops such as Corrodip, or even careful application of wet-and-dry papers (finishing with a fine polishing grade). A squiggle of candle-wax along the sole of the plane helps it slide over the wood more freely. Just don't get too hung up about the process; all you need is a cleanish, flat sole, and cleanish sides, that don't leave brown marks on the workpiece.
Later, if you feel the need, there are a number of things you can do to improve a plane's performance a bit. However, do the basics first and use the plane a bit first. See if you enjoy using it - are the handles comfortable, does it feel 'right' using it. If not, you won't have wasted too much time on fettling a plane you won't want to use much.
