Restore a Wooden Hand Plane

Article 150: Restore a Wooden Hand Plane

By: A Woodworker Who Knows Old Tools Can Work Like New

Wood-bodied planes are quiet, lightweight, and often undervalued. Here's how to bring one back from neglect.

Materials Needed

• Sandpaper (120 to 400 grit)

• Boiled linseed oil or paste wax

• Brass wire brush

• Sharpening stones or jigs

• Fine flat file

Steps

1. Clean the Body

   • Gently sand the sole and sides. Avoid removing too much material.

2. Oil or Wax the Wood

   • Rub in boiled linseed oil to restore luster. Paste wax can be used afterward.

3. Refurbish Iron

   • Remove rust from blade with sandpaper or vinegar soak.

   • Sharpen iron to 25–30° bevel. Polish back flat.

4. Adjust Throat Opening

   • Check for chips or wear. Use file if minor cleanup is needed.

5. Test Cuts

   • Reassemble and adjust iron. Plane end grain on scrap for fine tuning.

Sketch – Plane Cross Section

[Wood Body]
   ┌────────────┐
   │    ||      │ ← Iron blade
   │    ||      │
   │    \/      │ ← Mouth/throat
   └────────────┘