Here was my most expensive purchase at the David Stanley auction (£225 all in), a steel soled gunmetal bull nose plane by Norris. This is a rare plane but from the look of you may think I've gone mad!!
The steel sole was heavily pitted and it was in a sorry state all-round. The iron looked original but everything had seized together.
First job was to deal with the sole. I have an old cast iron linnisher which is dead flat and works really well for such jobs. The danger it removing too much metal or from the wrong place. The toe didn't line up with the sole so it needed a good wack with a hammer to bring it in line and then everything came up well, with all the pitting removed. The other danger was creating a wide mouth so I kept checking this every few seconds. It widened a little but the mouth was so tight to start with I knew I had some leeway.
The next job was to clean up the gunmetal sides which was done with 320 wet and dry lubricated with white spirit (mineral oil) and Duraglit brass cleaner.
Once I had cleaned up the rusty blade I could see that all parts were original and all stamped 5.
To tone down the gunmetal I used a brass and copper patinating fluid which I adjusted with the Duraglit until I achieved the finish I required.
the wedge was in good condition and just required a light sanding back with 400 grit and refinishing with Lacquer. I was pleased and relieved with the final result and the whole thing took just 1 1/2 hours.
I used gun blue to tone down the steel sole and the job was done.
Thanks for posting these David. I am working on 5 bullnose planes right now and these are very helpful and interesting to see. I was a little surprised to see the large hollow in the middle of the bed. Also - there appear to be 2 steel pins coming up through the bed - or are those just crud and staining? I like the level of restoration you have done - not too much, but enough to bring it back into service. How well does the blade fit with the bed?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Konrad
Hi Konrad, old bull nose planes are cast with a recess in the bed area which is filled with a cheaper wood (usually beech) as it doesn't show. In time this shrinks leaving the hollow you can see, so the blade is only supported at the front of the bed and the rear. Whilst not ideal it does give support for the blade in the critical areas and it fits well.
DeleteThere are four steel pins attaching the steel sole to the rear and two pins on the front. I'm guessing it was soldered on as well. I can post some more pictures on this if you wish.
I guess your bull nose planes will be dovetailed? I look forward to seeing them.
All the best,
David.
Hi David,
DeleteSorry - I was not very clear in my description. I know there is usually a 'rear infill' but I was referring to the hollow in the area just under the blade. It is in the bed ramp - you can see it in the 4th photo - just behind the 2 steel pins. Interesting that the sole was pinned as well as soldered.
My bullnose planes are not dovetailed, but rather very old casting originating from England. This is the first time I have worked with cast bodies - I will be happy to return to dovetailed planes:)
Cheers,
Konrad
Hi Konrad,
DeleteI've had a better look (which is what I should have done in the first place!)and there is a scallop in the bed. It's roughly done and I can't see a purpose, the other bull noses I have don't have it so I'm afraid I can't shed any more light on this.
All the best,
David.
Sweet looking plane you did a great job on the refurbishment.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks I'm happy with how it turned out and relieved!
ReplyDelete