Doing up Planes

[Bassbear81]

Was thinking of tidying up a couple of planes I got and was wondering has anyone powder coated one instead of painting it?

Or can anyone one think of a reason why I shouldnt?

 

[MikeG.]

Not my field I'm afraid, but isn't powder coating a baking process?......And therein, I think, lies the potential problem. Do you want to heat your newly fettled piece of pig-iron up?

Mike

 

[Bassbear81]

Yes it bakes in the oven for between 5-20mins depending on size, will it have that much of an effect on it

 

[MikeG.]

I guess that depends on the temperature.

I noticed today that the final tempering of plane blades is done at only 200C, (less than roast potatoes), for about 20 minutes. If that little heat can effect metal, then I would be cautious of any heat at all on something that depends for its usefulness on staying true.

Mike

Edit:

A quick googling suggests that powder coating is normally done at around 200 celcius for up to 20 minutes!!! Exactly the same as tempering the blade. So, 'twere it me, I wouldn't bother for the reason given above.

 

[Lord Nibbo]

Yes it bakes in the oven for between 5-20mins depending on size, will it have that much of an effect on it

Well I've japaned four different Stanleys planes in an Aga it's no different to how they were done years ago. So I don't see why powder coating should be any different. In fact I would be interested to see the finished product.

If anyone should know Robin Lee should Rob are you listening?

 

[Bassbear81]

Maybe I will try it on a block plane I got off ebay and see what happens!!

 

[Ironballs]

There was an article in F&C on Clifton last year, they described their heat treatment processes for the plane bodies, I'll see if I can look it up if you don't have a copy. Off the top of my head I'm sure they were talking about temps that were in the mid to high hundreds, the key thing seemed to be a VERY slow cooling down process

 

[Inspector]

How do you propose to mask off the areas you don't want to cover with paint?

Reason I ask, is a buddy gets a lot powder coating done and other than putting sacrificial bolts in the threaded holes he doesn't know of a way to keep the paint off a surface.

Or do you plan on painting first and then sanding off the sole, sides and frog after?

If there is a masking product please tell me what it is and where to get it.

 

[joiner_sim]

I cleaned up an old rusted 1950's Record No.6 hand plane, topic link is here:

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24995&highlight=1950+record

Unfortunatley I have to admit I never finished restoring it to its former glory, varnishing up the handles and re-painting the metal. It doesn't get loads of use, but when it is used it is razor sharp! I was taking of a huge chunk in one pass the other day without any trouble at all, obviously the timber was only about an inch wide though. But still it never struggled. :lol:

 

[Ironballs]

How about using some enamel coach paint instead?

 

[MIGNAL]

. . or Engine enamel spray paint, available at any decent auto shop. I've done a few planes and a Vice with the stuff and it seems to be holding up pretty good.
Just another option.