What to do with my 5 1/2

[Vann]

I see David Lynch features the restoration of exactly this model of Record (1931-1938, No.05½, with 2¼" cutter) on his website http://www.recordhandplanes.com/restoration.html

Possibly a bit OTT though, as he retains very little of the history of the plane in his effort to make it look like new.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Sheffield Tony]

I'd seen that. There are a couple of different planes in that sequence - it starts out as a SS and ends up as a regular one !

Anyway, I will not be doing that to mine. In fact, I think I'm decided to leave it as is. It is in nice condition really - no chips to either castings or handles, no pitting, not even a chewed screw head. Fairly good length of original iron.

For me, I like the idea that hands before mine have used these tools, cared for them and made things with them. I don't want to erase that. Some of my most treasured tools are a set of Marples chisels, a S&J tenon saw and an Acorn #4 plane. Not because they are very great tools, but I love using them because they were my grandfather's.

 

[jimi43]

I think you are making the right decision Tony.

I would not dream of pimping my oldest Bailey...the No.4C...

Hell...that's even protected by a light coating of "brown patination"...bonded together for eternity with a fine gloss of Camellia Oil!(*)

I don't know what it is but they had a different quality of rust in those days!!! :mrgreen:

Jim

(* Yes... CRAZY PEOPLE is one of my most favourite films of all time!)

 

[carlb40]

I think you are making the right decision Tony.

I would not dream of pimping my oldest Bailey...the No.4C...

Hell...that's even protected by a light coating of "brown patination"...bonded together for eternity with a fine gloss of Camellia Oil!(*)

I don't know what it is but they had a different quality of rust in those days!!! :mrgreen:

Jim

(* Yes... CRAZY PEOPLE is one of my most favourite films of all time!)

You won't like my usa 4 1/2 from about the same time going on the lever cap and Pat dates.
Bare metal respray, flattened/ polished sole and sides. New curly maple handle/ knob and quangsheng blade/ chip breaker :mrgreen: