Rehabilitating Old Planes (Big File)

[BobSmalser]

I was in the market for a large framing chisel on Ebay and wound up with a package deal for 30 bucks

[BobSmalser]

After removal of the black oxide residue, all metal visible on the outside of the plane is buffed with stitched muslin wheel and Knifemaker

[BobSmalser]

After curing, the shape is traced from another tote and cut on the band or fret saw. Note that I

[BobSmalser]

Then holders are fashioned and a coat of Birchwood Casey Truoil varnish mixed with a couple drops of art store Cobalt Drier is applied. The heavy metal drier is useful because the new finish has to amalgamate chemically with both the old finish and remaining Refinisher residue

[Simon]

Great info Bob, thanks alot!

The remaining hanger hole isn

[BobSmalser]

Do you have any tips for successful welding of this stuff?

Sure...have country-store coffee every morning with a group that includes a retired weldor from the logging equipment trade who can weld anything...and have some skill to offer in return.

Seriously, that hour a day building relationships saves me severalfold the money I'd make working that hour.

But actually, I misspoke and thanks for pointing it out...I'd braze it, not weld it. Welding would require to bring the entire casting sometimes to 1200 degrees...enuf to warp it. Brazing in bronze would only require 350 degrees of preheating. I use Templac paint temperature indicators.

For your application, you can use NIROD (nickle-based rod), and you can try doing it with a cold casting using a half-inch bead at a time, chipping and allowing the weld to dissipate its heat into the casting for 3 or so minutes before another half-inch bead is done.

You can email me more details and I'll take it to my neighbor for advice, if you like...when it comes to welding, I'm a pretty good farmer.