Last day of the holiday and along with taking down the Christmas decorations I had time to work on the sole of my 5 1/2.
Used some 80 grit paper from a belt sander, that I never use, my noteched straight edge (for checking guitar necks) and table saw to monitor progress. I recokon it was an hour's work, maybe a bit longer, its removed more or less all of the pitting and marks too. Finished it on some 320, very happy with it now, looks lovely.
Before anyone panics, the vice was only just tight enough to hold the plane for the photo - I did the actual checking holding them both up to the light. (at no point was the vice actaully used in the process)
I practiced jointing with four rough bits of scrap timber, got all 6 edges pretty dam close, surprised myself with the tolerance I've achieved. I planed the faces flat and level too, there was a good 3 or 4mm diffence in thickness to start with.
Used a stop (12mm bit of ply) on my bench, I find this easier than using a vice. I'd never have tried that method prior to starting this thread.
Very pleased with how things have improved, lots more practice required though.