Cleaning

Let me start off by saying this isn't a curatorial approach. This is about taking an old tool that has no specific historical value and restoring it to working order. If you have a tool that you believe has some objective historical value (due to the maker, time/place of manufacture, or feature/process), then please, handle it appropriately.

If, on the other hand, you have a musty molding plane from the early 18th Century. Perhaps a nice cock bead plane from England, then by all means, Let's get cracking.

First, let's make sure this is going to be worth our effort.

• Is it structurally sound? At least well enough for the level of use we're likely to require?
  • Common issues include cracks, checking, missing chunks
• Does it have wood borer holes? A couple of holes are OK, many holes are not.
• Is the proper blade present (if appropriate)? Or you can provide a replacement?
• If it has any controls, adjusters, fences, etc. Are they present and functional? Or at least repairable?

OK, we have a tool that's structurally sound and liable to stay that way for now. Let's start with gross cleaning.

Even though I am not attempting preservation per se, I would rather avoid removing material. So let's not sand stuff unless it's absolutely necessary. I have used a scraper, carefully, to remove paint and blap. For instance, the traditional plane sole lubricant in England is tallow.

Start with an assessment of the structure of the tool. Does it have wood borer holes? A couple of holes are OK, many holes are not. If there are holes, make sure they are inactive. You don't want that kind of problem in your house or shop.

How do we do that? Take it outside and hose it down with insecticide and leave it outside a day or two. Then bring it in and wipe it down to remove and residual insecticide.