Dunlap Block Plane Tuneup

This is an old plane I picked up with some assorted tools. It's a vintage Dunlap block plane made in the USA.

[@corydriver7634]

Nice work. I second your comment on Paul Sellers.

[@liveoak4124]

Nice work. Dunlap was one of the Sears brand names. Planes were made by a variety of manufacturers. Believe that is a Miller's Falls #45 block, good tool + on Paul Sellers

[@tungsten_carbide]

Nicely done. I wish you'd done the lever cap in a darker grey or just black but never mind that :-) _Man_ that sole was not flat o_O One of the worst I've seen! BTW it may not have left the factory like that. It seemed like there was a diagonal groove, which could be wear from the previous user skewing it when working board edges which is a common way block planes are held. Do this over enough years and you can wear a noticeable groove in a plane's sole; I've had it on a no. 4 that passed through my hands and seen some very bad grooves (over 1/32" deep) on a few wooden planes. BTW if you're doing more planes in future you're correct about the hollow behind the mouth not being a problem. I can't remember if Paul Sellers mentions this but you can actually leave one which is large or deep as long as the edges, mouth (front of it especially) and somewhere down towards the heel contact. Even though a hollow is technically a flaw it is actually helpful since it reduces friction. Not a big deal in a block plane admittedly but the longer the plane the more you might notice the benefit.

[@benstown7209]

Tungsten Carbide Good advice- thanks for the input!

[@solidsnake9332]

Why sand the rust off? Why not a less abrasive method like rust remover or vinegar? The goal in a 'restoration' is to remove as little of material possible, why maintaining visible aging. Youre not only changing the weight but the geometry of the instrument.