Plane Care

[wobblycogs]

Hi,

A couple of months ago I bought my first decent plane a LN low angle block plane. It's an absolutely stunning piece of kit and I would like to make sure it stays that way for years to come.

Just after I got it I used it a lot for a couple of weeks but then it went back into it's box where it has sat for about a month till I needed it again today (my woodworking tends to be in fits and starts due to other commitments). Imagine my distress when I opened the box to find a light coating of rust over a few areas.

Looking at the pattern of the rust it's clearly where my sweaty hands have been holding the plane as was mostly on the sides at the back although there was a tiny amount on the bottom. I've brushed off all the wood dust, rubbed off the rust with a bit of 600 grit wet and dry and lightly oiled the iron parts of the plane with 3-in-1. In future I think I'll wipe the plane down at the end of the day to remove any acids / water residue from where I've been holding it.

Is this the best way to protect the plane?

 

[Ironballs]

A quick rub over with an old oily rag usually works, or have a look at the latest British Woodworking where our own OPJ tests some rust removal and prevention products

 

[woodbloke]

Sounds like you may have the dreaded 'Phillyfingers sydrome' :lol: I always now as a matter of course use a smear of Camilla Oil after each 'shop session - Rob

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I use Briwax on all exposed metal and it seem to work well, apart on my brass shoulder plane.

Pete

 

[matthewwh]

Hi Wobblycogs,

ProtecTool wax was formulated specifically for this purpose, it's a microcrystalline wax (similar to rennaissance wax) but with added corrosion inhibitors.

You just apply a thin layer and leave it for a couple of minutes to ozidise, then buff it to a shine - a bit like shoe polish. It also reduces friction between the sole and the timber so your plane slides really smoothly and it's silicone free so there's no issue with affecting finishes or glues. I'm so impressed with it that I include a small tub with every Clifton plane we sell as a free sample.

 

[wobblycogs]

Cheers for the suggestions. I've always used the oil rag method in the past but I'm concerned about not getting all the oil off (or more likely forgetting) and staining the piece I'm working on. I think I'll try Camellia Oil for now and see how that works out and put a pot of ProtecTool on the Christmas list

 

[head clansman]

hi

oily rag works for me . hc

 

[chill]

I always now as a matter of course use a smear of Camilla Oil after each 'shop session - Rob

does Prince Charles know about this Rob? :lol:

 

[woodbloke]

I always now as a matter of course use a smear of Camilla Oil after each 'shop session - Rob

does Prince Charles know about this Rob? :lol:

I won't tell him if you don't :lol: - Rob

 

[ivan]

No overpriced Dutchy products here, I use **** (seed) oil....
From Tesco

 

[Mr Ed]

Where you do get the occasional rust patch I find the Garryflex abrasive pads (Axminster) an excellent way of getting back to clean metal without any damage.

Ed