Removing cracked Japaning: Is bead blasting bad?

Actually

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>Japanning is a term used to describe a black finish that was originally accomplished using lacquers (Rhus vernicifera) and became a term for that type of finish.

The traditional japan formula is made with asphaltum and a varnish and can be baked but it is not necessary, just makes it dry faster. It is a brown black and it can not be achieved by modern finishes. It is used on tools, tin ware and woodwork e.g. Hitchcock chairs. and other objects including leather, the finish remains slightly flexible.

Stephen

Re: Why did Stanley use Japanning?

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>You wrote: "I'm convinced that, had it been available in that era, Stanley would have used the epoxy, or maybe powder coating on their tools."

That got me thinking, if they would have had transparent aluminum they would have used that for the body so you could see through it.

Stephen

Gotta Love those Painted planes

Todd Hughes

>Here's a carefully restored no. 8 plane I picked up the other day. I know it is a little hard to tell but under close examination I think I have determined that it's finish is not original but instead is actually Rustoleum paint.

You Might notice that this restorer like Jim believes that Stanley was lax on how they finished thier planes and the material they used originaly. Hey how many planes have you seen with rusty lever caps or ones with worn nickle? What stanley should have done was just put a heavy coat of rustoleum on them...well dang nab it they would of too if they had spray cans of rustolium back in 1920. Whats up with those unfinished sides on those old Stanleys too?...probably just a way for Stanley to save on some of that expensive fancy Jappaning eh? Well no corners cut by this plane restorer that is for sure and he painted the sides like Stanley should of.Matter of fact the blade and chip breaker got thier coat too and for sombody that has seen lots of pitted blades I know I won't have to worry about that with this one.

....Little surprised that the wood didn't get painted but maybe he used all the red paint up on chisel handles.

Was funny I picked this plane up for $8 [talked down from $10] at a flea market at the end of the day. Walked down the row and this other vender asked me what I paid for it. I looked up and all his tools are painted black. Didn't take Shellock Holmes to figure this one out. He told me he sold it that morning for $5. I told him very bad to paint planes and that i had almost not bought it for $8 because of that. He told me he had heard that people liked bright painted tools because they won't rust but he promised not to do it again and said he will bring me in some tools befor he paints them. I told him if this no. 8 wasn't painted and in excellent condition I would have gladly given him $15 for it .......Todd

Pretty Funny, eh?

Todd Hughes

>Is pretty funny but why is that it is always those that beat thier chest and proudly proclaim that their tools are for USE and not to collect are the same ones that are always so concerned with what they look like! ...Man oh Man give them an 80 year old plane that is missing some finish and they can't wait to make it look "better then new" with some spray paint and buffing!

... I don't know so does a shiny black plane just work better or what?...you know maybe less wind restance eh?

.... Of course there is that ever present worry about rust only somthing tells me most guys that paint and overclean thier tools till they shine probably don't leave them out in the rain.

In the end it is your plane and you can do what you want with it...Personaly I say if you are going to paint it be bold and paint it pink or put flames on the side. Will provide the same protection as the black paint and it's next owner will at least smile when he gets it instead of just shaking his head and wonder what you were thinking when you painted it ! .....Todd

My all time favourite paint job!

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>Todd

I agree. I find it amusing that many have to make excuses so that they have a nice looking tool. I believe that, unless the item has real collector value - it has to be rare - most of the planes, etc that we buy and restore are not in that category. If anything, a pleasing "restoration" will enhance its value (since we are then looking at "desirability", which is a factor lying behind the ownership of many Bed Rocks, for example) and, more importantly, bring pleasure to its owner.

Here is my favourite:

Merry Christmas!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Well Said!

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>

Well said!

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>

Re: My all time favourite paint job!

Marv

>Thanks for the pic Derek....

Good example that shows the difference between a "reconditioned" tool versus one that has been "restored".

Is that a Stanley No.1? (just kidding) :-))

Marv

Probably not...

Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA

>Because aluminum planes SUCK, BIG TIME!

Talk abotu extreme painting!

Dominic Greco in Richboro PA

>Now THAT is an example of over appliciation of a good idea! Thanks for posting this.

Re: Why did Stanley use Japanning?

Dominic Greco in Richboro PA

>But then Scotty would have had to come back in time to the 1900's instead of 1985.