Stanley 9 1/2 Block - Worth cleaning up???

[SVB]

Further to my other post (and only a couple of hours after), I was helping clear out a friend's garage and came across this in the 'tip' pile he had made.

A pint later and it is mine. So, my question is whether to go ahead with Plan A (see other thread re LN et al) addition to the shop or to consider investing some time into this one. I quite like the idea of bringing something destined for the tip back into condition and get the use, but is it worth it is the question.

I have taken the photo's below. Other than it is a Stanley 9 1/2 and my mate said it was his dad's but did not know anything more I am stuck.

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Yes its worth cleaning up even if you only use it as your going out plane, saving your LV or LN for the nice warm workshop. I use my stanley 60 1/2 for jobs out side.

Pete

 

[laird]

I've just cleaned up a 91/2 that was both older and in a worse condition than that, so I'm biased, but even if you make it look loved again that's surely a better option than (shock, horror) dumping it.
Once it looks right I bet you'll find yourself sharpening it properly, then seeing if it functions properly, then shaving timber, then shaving workpieces, et voila, you have a block plane.
Is it worth it, three or four hours work versus £40-£45 for a new one ? Probably not. But an old tool's not just for one man's life.

 

[AndyT]

Definitely worth cleaning up. Judging from the pictures, it has some surface rust - probably just from being left in a shed - but no dents or damage. The edge of the blade is straight, suggesting careful use only. So you don't have to do much - just a wire brush or some wet and dry, and sharpen the blade.

Andy

 

[yetloh]

Whether it is worth cleaning up depends, at one level, on how you value your time. On a strict economic analysis the answer is likely to be no. But that is not how activities we love actually work. If you will enjoy the process and gain satisfaction from it, then it is worth it regardless of economics, even more so if, like me, you object to the throwaway society.

Certainly, you can end up with a very satisfactory plane if you fettle the plane by making sure the bed is properly flat and the blade seats properly on it. Also check that the adjustable part of the sole moves smoothly and is flush and parallel with the main sole when locked - if it isn't, lap the sole flat. Lastly, in my experience the standard blades are rubbish, so you will need to buy a decent one. Japanese laminated blades are hard to beat for a fantastic sharp and durable edge; in my view, better than A2, although I do have a Hock A2 blade which is quite good and certainly much superior to the Stanley item.

I am very fond of my Stanley block plane and much preferred it to the LN equivalent which I have now sold to finance one of the latest Veritas block planes. I find this far superior to the LN for its design and ease of adjustment - lateral adjustment on the low angle LN is a real pain and not a patch on the Stanley, let alone the Veritas.

Jim