Wobbly plane handles

[steve355]

Hi

I have refurbed a couple of vintage planes recently, with good results, both aesthetically and in terms of performance (See pic of father-in-laws Stanley Bailey no 2). But a problem I’ve had is getting the handles really stable - they wobble slightly. Any tips for solving this? I presume that over the years the wood has worn/rotted a little.

Tips appreciated.

cheers
Steve

 

[Jacob]

A washer (or 2) under the nut.
Difficult size but luckily there is a commonly available alternative - the "valve nut" from a bike inner tube (Presta). Pinch one or buy one Valve Nut
PS Plane looks nice! I've done a few myself and it is strangely satisfying, especially the first few perfect cuts.

 

[Just4Fun]

I shortened the bolt on one old plane. Not by much, just by a thread. This allowed the bolt to be tightened down fully so the handle was firm.

I am impressed by your restoration. I did see a rusty #4 at a flea market a few days ago, going for cheap. I decided it was too rusty for me to be bothered with but it was nowhere near as bad as the example you started with. It would be good to see a step-by-step thread on how you tackle such a job.

 

[RichardG]

There's some useful info here, including dealing with the chrome bits.

https://aplanelife.us/downloads

 

[Orraloon]

A washer (or 2) under the nut.
Difficult size but luckily there is a commonly available alternative - the "valve nut" from a bike inner tube (Presta). Pinch one or buy one Valve Nut
PS Plane looks nice! I've done a few myself and it is strangely satisfying, especially the first few perfect cuts.

Thanks Jacob for the valve nut tip. I had not heard that one before. I have in the past tried to find something to use as a washer but came up empty. I just file a bit off the threaded rod. Its almost an yearly job where I live due to the big humidity swings we get.
Regards
John

 

[steve355]

I shortened the bolt on one old plane. Not by much, just by a thread. This allowed the bolt to be tightened down fully so the handle was firm.

I am impressed by your restoration. I did see a rusty #4 at a flea market a few days ago, going for cheap. I decided it was too rusty for me to be bothered with but it was nowhere near as bad as the example you started with. It would be good to see a step-by-step thread on how you tackle such a job.

its easy really, and I am no expert. I got this one for free from my father in law, and I also have a no 4 1/2 I got from a car boot sale for £3 which I will do next. These are good planes, to be had very cheap.

Step 1 joint the sole using sandpaper stuck to ply or coffee table glass. Use a sharpie to make sure you get all of it. This is really hard work and needs a few grades to get it good. Getting the pitting out is really hard.

step 2 same for the sides. Make sure they are square.

step 3 polish all the metal bits. Get a bench polisher and all the different colours of polishing stuff.



step 4 clean thoroughly with meths and mask up all the bits without paint.

step 5 give it a few coats of spray paint


step 7 go through the usual blade grinding and sharpening procedure



step 8 rub down the handles and give several coats of shellac or whatever

step 9 screw it all back together, set it and test it (vid below)

step 10 enjoy your better-than-new genuinely excellent quality plane you got for a few quid and about, say 4 or 5 hours work.

cheers
Steve

 

[Adam W.]

I like that, it's great that you can see the potential hidden beneath all the gunk.

 

[DIYTinkerer]

Wow what a great job, I'm restoring my Dad's Stanley Bailey No2 at the moment - I thought that was abused! very severe scratches in the sole - - boy was a wrong - I'm glad you mentioned the time and effort to joint the sole - I thought it was just me. Great job

 

[thetyreman]

japanning would have been better but it looks good otherwise,

 

[steve355]

japanning would have been better but it looks good otherwise,

great vid - thanks. Now I feel like I’ve ruined it!