Restoring a Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane

Article 167: Restoring a Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane

By: A Woodworker Who Brings Tools Back from the Dead

The No. 4 plane is a cornerstone of fine surface prep. Restoring an old one can yield a top-tier hand tool for a fraction of the cost of new.

Restoration Checklist

1. Disassemble Completely

   • Keep all screws organized.

2. Rust Removal

   • Use vinegar soak or citric acid.

   • Scrub with brass brush.

3. Lap the Sole

   • Use wet/dry sandpaper on glass.

4. Sharpen the Iron

   • Hone to 25–30°; polish on a strop.

5. Refinish Handles

   • Sand and apply BLO or shellac.

6. Reassemble and Tune

   • Adjust frog, depth, and lateral controls.

Tools and Materials

• Sandpaper (220–1000 grit)

• Sharpening stones

• Metal polish

• Screwdrivers

• Rust remover

Sketch – Plane Parts

 [ Iron ]
 [ Cap Iron ]
 [ Lever Cap ]
 [ Frog ]
 [ Body ]
 [ Tote & Knob ]