Restore wood planes - Woodworking Talk

David K · 01-10-2009, 12:55 PM

I just got several planes that belonged to my grandfather (1890-1920). Some are long blocks of wood with flat bases, each with a wood wedge that holds the blade in place. Others have contoured bottoms (cove, round-over) but also have wood wedges.

I'd like to restore them, and was going to begin by cleaning rust off the blades and sharpening them. But the wedges won't budge. I'd rather do nothing with them than to damage them.

Any ideas?

**Daren** · 01-10-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David K

But the wedges won't budge. I'd rather do nothing with them than to damage them.

Any ideas?

Tap the end of the plane with a wood/rubber mallet (there may be a button even, or at least evidence of where they where tapped before) That is how the wedges come out

**Daren** · 01-10-2009, 01:21 PM

I found a picture (in my old gallery here) of a box plane I made, notice the button on the back end ? That is the "tappin' spot".

Your bigger planes like long jointers the tapping spot will be on the top near the front.

**Daren** · 01-10-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daren

Your bigger planes like long jointers the tapping spot will be on the top near the front.

This picture came from another thread Show me yer planes!!!! so it already had some writing on it ("shavings", ignore that

)

**Daren** · 01-10-2009, 01:29 PM

It may take some pretty solid knocks to get them loose, don't worry you won't hurt them.

jana88 · 01-30-2009, 02:42 PM

I will take picture of my father's plane next time. Thanks for sharing it guys.