The ‘ol No. 5

[Nathan W]

I gave a coworker an old bicycle wrench the other day. He restores old bikes and I thought he might like it. He showed up the next morning and handed me this. Pretty nice trade!

 

[woodtickgreg]

That's a keeper! Tune that one up and restore it.

 

[Nathan W]

It was nearly unrecognizable when he handed it to me. A good soak and a little honing and it ripped ribbons lake a champ. I’m torn as to repaint or not. Thoughts?

 

[woodtickgreg]

Keeping the original japaning black is only for the purist in my opinion. I would totally restore that with fresh paint and refinished tote and knob. Flatten the sole on some sandpaper stuck to a flat surface like a jointer bed or some granite.

 

[Schroedc]

It's a later plane with a replacement iron in it I think (Can see the Victor name on the iron) A repaint isn't going to hurt anything as it's not a million dollar plane. if it makes you happy, go ahead and do it!

 

[Nathan W]

I flattened the sole, sharpened the iron and I am definitely going to refinish the knob with BLO. I looked around online last night for some different colors. If i do refinish it I think a tan base would look really slick.

 

[Nathan W]

I am please with how this all came together. I bet it is faster with its new paint job!

Keeping the original japaning black is only for the purist in my opinion. I would totally restore that with fresh paint and refinished tote and knob. Flatten the sole on some sandpaper stuck to a flat surface like a jointer bed or some granite.

 

[woodtickgreg]

That's a fine looking user!