Plane sole frustration

Finding Planes...

Jonathan Kaplan (OR)

>If the price of a LN or LV is too steep for you, and you don't want to putter around at flea markets, etc., and/or you don't trust yourself enough to know a good plane from a plane w/ serious problems, may I suggest getting in touch with someone like Patrick Leach (leach@supertool.com)? I know that I worry about ebay planes, etc., and don't buy them for that reason. So someone like Patrick, who has a reputation for being honest, etc., may be a good place to get an old plane in pretty good shape at a reasonable price. You may pay a bit more than you would at a flea market, but you'll get a lot more peice of mind (again, unless you already know a lot about planes).

BTW: I'm sure there are lots of other places to buy old planes and lots of other reputable dealers, etc., but figured I'd toss out the one name I know... No relation, etc etc.

Best,

Jonathan

Ok, I give. What is SGFH?

Vic P

>

Re: Ok, I give. What is SGFH?

William R. Duffield on the Cohansey

>"HI, I'm William, and I have this problem with hand tools, old ones, new ones, rusted ones, busted ones, ones I bought, ones I made�"

This forum is a SGFH. So was Badger Pond's Neanderthal Haven. OldTools is the epitome of the genre.

Tom Price explains the concept, and its origins, back a couple of threads, under "Essential Handsaws". It's well worth the read.

Support Group From He**

Re: Plane sole frustration

Bob Dodge

>Well, I just got home from the flea market, where I've never come across any decent handplanes, untillllll. Wow, there it was, in an old handtool box, a Miller Falls #5, and, a Miller Falls bit brace in excellant condition, with beautiful patina. Total price? for both,$20 Can. Even spent an extra 8 bucks, for an adjustable bit.

Now for the bad part, lol. Although the plane was in fairly good condition, original lever-cap,good blade,etc, on closer inspection at home, I realized this plane had a serious sole flatness problem. The sole is convex, front to back. Almost flat from heel to mouth, but from there, there is a pronounced bend to the toe.

The plane's sides and body, had been painted black, and it is possible the plane may have been cracked, and repaired, although I see no sign of a complete break, across the sole, at the mouth.

Is this a "keeper"??? At $9. US, it would seem so, just for the parts. Although I have yet to really take a close look, (appointment this afternoon), is it practical to try to repair this sole? I'm concerned about having to remove a lot of material from the sole, and possibly widening the mouth in the process. The sole is corrugated, which should help as far as lapping goes.

I'm thinking that I'd have to start by filing the sole , across the middle, until I'm able to make contact at the toe and heel, then start lapping. Would a trip to a machine shop be preferable??

Thanks for any advice. All the best, Bob