How To Restore A Stanley Hand Plane

In this video I restore a clients Stanley Bailey Pattern No. 4 1/2 smoothing plane. I removed all the rust, cleaned all the pieces and got it razor sharp.
Hope you guys enoy.

[@EarlUndershirt]

This is my new fav channel. So interesting to see someone use hand tools in the 21st century. Its so cool to watch and it makes me wanna learn woodworking.

[@mattpejic7829]

Agreed and the accent is top notch also

[@BruceOfWaynes]

What's stopping you? It doesn't take much more than a couple hundred bucks to get started. You could even drive that down to well less than $100 with trip to the flea market and some elbow grease. Big machinery is nice for convenience, but wholly unnecessary. And nothing he's doing here is particularly difficult.. Sharpening your irons is the biggest learning curve you're likely to come across.. And you'll pick that up in no time.

[@richardmeftah2569]

Same here, I really like this channel and so relaxing too.

[@johncharleson8733]

No distracting music either---great channel.

[@mhwang119]

Stropping it with leather aligns the metal at a microscopic level. I had an old woodworking teacher show me before and after stropping and the difference is amazing. Before, the metal has these grind marks that look scratches that go in all directions. After stropping, all the scratches were aligned in the SAME DIRECTION, hundreds of them in a microscopic level. That's what gives it that mirror finish and razor sharp edge. It was amazing.

[@fletchro789]

The leather in the strop is from cows and contains silicon dioxide (some sand papers used to be made with this tough mineral). Where did the cows get the silicone dioxide? From the grass they ate, and then it got incorporated into their skin to make a tough protective layer. Where did the grass get the silicone dioxide? From the dirt it grew in! Leather is naturally processed sand paper. 🤯

[@josephlittle8340]

@@fletchro789i like how it all tied in there at the end.

[@Agrillot6]

@@fletchro789 does it have to be a rough leather like that? It special bought? I have an old leather apron that is rough.

[@nathancloke8970]

​@@Agrillot6 I've seen people use old leather belts, the rough backside, with stropping compound. I dunno if it works the same. Never tried it myself.

[@MrJcollins95]

Thanks! I’ve been wondering why they do that and what it does! Have always been forgetting to google the reason 😅

[@jimsaunders6896]

Great video as always. Absolutely love your channel, very fulfilling and relaxing. Some before and after close up pictures would be great if you're doing a restoration video, so that we can see how much of a difference you've made.

[@EoinReardon]

Great suggestion!

[@jobtieleman4273]

When flattening the plane you should have it assembled and the iron set back, the stress of thee assembly can bend the body out of straight if you flatten it unassembled.

[@hughesnevada]

Geez Louise, I wish I'd come across this channel a month ago. I found a hand-plane buried in a bunch of mud and since my girlfriend just graduated from a cabinetmaking program I thought I'd give a go at restoring it...made a bit of a mess though because I'm clueless. This'll be a big help! Also just found a saw sitting under a microwave tonight, so I'll be coming back. Thanks Eoin!

[@nathanieltan3569]

My favorite plane was from a middle aged woman who was getting rid of her deceased father’s woodworking tools. There’s a wonderful feeling being able to give old tools a new lease on life. Tools with a bit of history really feel special.

[@mysecretexperiments]

I’m a hand tool collector too. I always relate to the satisfaction it brings you! I wanted to congratulate you on all the success. Also, I have had so much trouble with drying wood especially stringy woods like shag bark hickory. A video on that topic would be greatly appreciated! I understand it’s mostly moisture content but any tips or tricks would help.

[@paulfisher6918]

This is proper woodworking not using electric ⚡️ brilliant channel

[@josephdolman]

Never thought I'd be invested into an Irish joiner/carpenter but love the accent and his personality

[@budlloyd3127]

great video! the stropping is basically just an ultra-high grit abrasive, especially if you use the stropping compound. But even if you use bare leather it is still abrasive enough to polish up and remove any remaining bur. So it's basically getting that edge super fine, and also polishes it up even more than the sandpaper will.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Go look up a fellow named Abom79, he’s a machinist. He can help you get those planes planing perfectly

[@dmohr02]

You don't need to lap the entire sole flat. All that matters is the toe, fore and aft the mouth and the heel. You can have low spots between and will make zero difference in use.

[@markcoetzee2002]

Would you ever consider making a video explaining how you can get into wood working? Like the very basic tools you need and how to progess from there

[@EoinReardon]

Absolutely. That’s a great idea.

[@condyshares]

Love seeing your videos! I was born in a small town with Mennonite influence in Ontario & I appreciate seeing your videos on traditional methods! Thank you for sharing 😁

[@bmo14lax]

3:34 that's called surface tension, and water has ALOT of it. Love seeing ya interested in all these things too

[@bmo14lax]

Atmospheric pressure too, a few things at play Incase anyone gets mad at my terminology 🤣

[@mhwang119]

@@bmo14lax lol i was going to say atmospheric pressure is what's holding it together because the seal is so good that there is a vacuum.

[@bmo14lax]

@@mhwang119 but The surface tension must be high for this to happen correct?

[@davearonow65]

"Lucy Gone Mad" is a GREAT band name!

[@WhyNot-kq8gb]

why do i love this channel?!?!? i can barely put together ikea-esque furniture but am binging the heck out of ur vids. 10/10 eoin!

[@swingforthefences777]

Stropping removes the microscopic-level inconsistencies of the edge so you have a true, razor sharp edge.

[@hizakikentai]

Hey, love the videos! Have you considered making a video about why you prefer hand tools and what made you decide you didnt want to use power tools?

[@Varkest]

Stropping aligns the metal along the bur and also removes some of the bulkier chunks of the bur (bulkier relative to the rest of the edge on the microscopic level) leaving a smoother sharp edge that cuts more cleanly and is less susceptible to dulling through use if treated properly

[@junklemon]

Thank you so much!

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Kroil makes another very good penetrating oil

[@Snigismund]

I want to use more old handtools from now on. they will last a life time, they are simple and you can repair them your self. Very nice

[@tiporari]

When sharpened to a fine edge, the end looks like wood that's been broken and has fibers sticking out. If the bevel is long enough, the edge can curl irregularly fore and aft. Stropping dry takes those fiber like protrusions, and any curling of the edge, and aligns them evening out the surface. A wire brush behaves this way. You can mash the wires unto a line, and cut with them. As you cut they move around, fray and become irregular and thus more blunt. Aligning and compressing the edge will reduce the bluntness and restore the ability to cut.

[@TheMadTatter]

Great job again lad, your man will be thrilled with the outcome on that I'm sure. Looks great and cuts like a gem. If anyone from WD-40 sees this, you need to make Eoin his own Special Edition tin of "WD-FAHRTY", maybe when he hits a million subscribers, so about January with the rate this lad is picking up the subs!

[@zackrome6983]

Once I have a house I'm going to invest in these old hand tools, seems like a very rewarding and fun hobby

[@letsplayretro675]

Stripping is just sanding with an extremely fine grit (the stropping compound + leather grain). It’s basically like using 60,000-100,000 grit sandpaper. In fact you can get the same effect with lapping paper at that grit grade.

[@niallmccormack6359]

Nice clear video! I've a Stanley No.4 that I've struggled to get setup properly for awhile so this is really useful. Where did you buy the diamond sharpening stone? I own a waterstone but it's a real pain for sharpening with.

[@stuartmc86]

I'm in the exact same boat. I bought a Stanley No. 4 and after watching this video I want to get a diamond sharpening stone

[@republicofvegans712]

Greetings from Canada. My late gramps who died in Bangladesh from cancer last year had literally the exact planer. Must have been from the 70s. It was pretty rusted up, had a few bug eggs that were god knows how old just stuck to the planer. Brought it to Canada and already started restoring it but God knows how long it'll take for me lol

[@HoodyKid100]

I know your secret. I know that's not your real accent. I know you're actually from Sandycove. Big south Dublin head hiding in there. You can't lie to us forever Eoin.

[@karenscoville6307]

Hey Eoin, can you do a video on how you learned all your amazing skills??? Thanks, you are great!!!

[@docbaduck]

The paste you apply to leather for stroping is a very fine abrasive. Just like sandpaper there are different grits of paste. Stroping is basically grinding... but VERY fine.

[@malta7406]

I have practically an identical plane I need to restore! Thanks so much for this!

[@SNBRdude]

Eoin’s mum: Tell me two of your best friends. Eoin: Um um, Linseed oil and WD 40

[@wyckedawesome]

Loving the content, especially as you get a feel for the longer form KZbin stuff. Keep up the great work!

[@arronkerr3242]

I love this channel very calming and rustic I love it good work!!!

[@R3Drover486]

Damn am I glad to see another video

[@reivenne]

In Australia, we say "flat out like a lizard drinking" because... we're weird like that, I guess?

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

Does anyone know of a reference guide for old hand planes? I have a few that I want to re-beautify but not exactly the same as original.. I just don't want to mess with anything that has collector value and should be left alone...

[@_general_error]

So what does honing on leather do? When you sharpen, at a microscopic level, the edge has tiny pieces of steel hanging out from it and bend in different angles. Honing tries to uncurl and break off those microscopic twists and curls.

[@watermelonsugarhi]

Watched all your tiktoks and saw you say KZbin pays and tiktok doesn't. So im here watching these too now.

[@siiiiiiiiiimo]

I dunno if costs a problem for you, but did ye know WD40 comes in big 4 litre bottles? Then you can put it in spray bottles or your oil dripper botts!

[@tubealubasauraus41]

A good soak in Vapo-Rust solution is great for getting the old rust off metal. Leave it soak for a few hours and wipe off.

[@Rick-mp9zj]

That method won’t ruin a chisel edge at all. Stumpy Nubs actually has a video proving it as well

[@kennypierce889]

Here for Eoin's personality first and foremost. Lucy a close second. Learnin' a thing er two third.

[@nickywilkinson1212]

Always good to see people using hand tools. Personally, I always reach for the power tools when doing any DIY. But as we all know, nothing beats a hand finish.

[@lukeanderton808]

Anyone else just throw this on in the backround, his voice is almost like therapeutic. Same level as jacksepticeye

[@kianareichert6660]

find ur videos relaxing, thanks from new Zealand

[@harryquick991]

Just bought my first one off eBay. Brilliant video Eoin 👍🏼

[@republicofvegans712]

Also my advice is use a large sharpening stone that is very flat. I may be wrong tho.

[@mrbear5674]

Another satisfying video

[@robertclery4484]

Hi Eoin, well done nice work with nothing to fancy. How would stop the plain from rusting?

[@TheSMEAC]

Frog, iron/cap iron,and lever should be installed under tension but retracted when lapping that sole 👍

[@thomasmcglynn5353]

Hi just found you on KZbin last night most have watched most of your videos great to see a young fella doing so well and even better your Irish well done. Can I ask you do you sell tools on the internet and if so please send me a link I am all always on the lookout for new places to buy my hand tools ❤

[@mattdamon238]

Thank you for the informational video Eoin. My grandfather has recently given me one of his older hand planes and it needs a bit of restoration.

[@markcoetzee2002]

Why is it called a frog? Also your video made my morning! You are the best!

[@Bonzzii]

You are right about the leather. It does exactly what you said. It aligns the microfibres in the steel.

[@karoshi42]

Wouldn’t leaving the bare metal be asking for rust?

[@avr2766]

These videos are like Christmas I can't wait for the next one 😂

[@lawrencebeaulieu9242]

I'm from New Britain ,CT. USA. Hardware City. The home of Stanley Tools. Great job.

[@rahb8765]

Please tell us where you got your sweatshirt from! Its amazing 👏

[@denisconor648]

Great stuff wet and dry paper be better for Sanding and removeing the rust.

[@patloughner9551]

Did you make that screwdriver handle?

[@RedhairedMungo]

Great work! Im a carpenter too and i learned Not to Move back an Forth while grinding - instead Move only in one Direction. so u have a more constant Movement. Sorry for my english

[@evancooper5885]

Is there something I could use for flattening the sole other than a granite slab, as I don't have one

[@diamondintheruff1620]

I see your a big fan of WD40, as someone who has spent some time in the mechanic world, may I recommend Loyds “moov it” it’s a high penetrating lubricant that is a step up for WD40.

[@georgeh5075]

Your life flashed before your eyes when you turned over that slab didn't it haha

[@PapaJoeWalsh]

Great video. Thanks for posting!

[@johnhann]

Love these videos! Keep up the Superb work!

[@gungle24]

Great video, love your shop, mine is just as messy😂

[@GameAssetsGarden]

Thanks for sharing this! I've always wondered how people serviced these types of hand planes.

[@StoicSpeaks]

Just stumbled open your channel, very interesting stuff brother! 😊

[@Crvstylvngs]

Loving these videos, half built a jewellery box for the misses and I'm working on a picture frame aswell, anyway I picked up a Stanley No 4 planer and right next to the ?mouth ? Of the plane needs a weld as it's cracked right out to the edge where it is, very small but is it worth fixing ? I know she's probably almost 100 so I know it's got more life in it still, just thought clamping the cracks together should do it, then I can start planing normally?

[@Crvstylvngs]

If you can weld I can send it your way to fix, pay you for your effort and do the shipping costs?!

[@thathobbitlife]

@@Crvstylvngs I'd urge you message over Instagram.. though I dont know what his IG @ is

[@maxk4324]

Finally someone who understands WD-40 is, when properly used, a cleaning agent, not a lubricant

[@shawnflynn1713]

Your videos are quickly becoming my favorite. You and tik history. That sweatshirt is really nice.

[@DrSabs1]

How long did it took you too learn woodworking?

[@kendall_knows_best2872]

Could watch you all day. W dee thought tee

[@rubymaed4815]

My dad is a mechanic and he’s always talking about lapping stuff. I’m sure he once taught my sister how to lap valves when we were younger

[@elcaponeholyemperorofnj1169]

I love the way he says “dubble yoo dee fordee”

[@justindunlap1235]

Thanks for the awesome video, using this information I was able to tune up a knock off Stanley no4 to a nice little plane for 40usd. I've got it shaving curls that are 2 thousandths on either side.

[@Teknofobe]

Don't know if anyone knows the correct name, but years ago. I owned a plane that was shaped like a coffin. A real antique. Any ideas?

[@markcoetzee2002]

Is there anyway I can pray for any of you lads

[@mrwaffles1394]

Great video. There’s an argument to be made for lapping with the blade and frog in as the sole will slightly deform. I don’t know if it’s hogwash, but I figure better safe than sorry.

[@bushratbeachbum]

Stropping or honing polishes the flats of the blade, at the cutting edge, so especially sharpens from 1000 grit to say 6000 grit, bigger scratches that end at the edge essentially create a serrated edge, polishing the flats of the blade turn it in to a very fine edge instead. Look at an edge you dress on the 400 side of the diamond vs the 1000 vs after stropping, you'll see with a good eye or a magnifier that the edge is smoother across its width as you go further with polishing, that's essentially how you get the best edge possible from the steel you're working with. The finer the polish, the sharper the edge, though as you say, 1000 and a strop is generally plenty. The other thing stropping does is it wipes away the burr created by the stone, however fine it may be. Scrapers cut with the burr after you work the edges with a hard round bar, a slicing action doesn't want a burr in front of the cutting edge

[@michaelgelunas1113]

I just saw one of these baybays in very good working order at an antique store for 80 bucks American.

[@bushratbeachbum]

If you turn the body around when lapping it, you'll keep it flatter and you'll find the end towards the direction you push will get worked harder than the other pushing works it harder than pulling. 40 is a touch overboard, you'll find a better finish, so a nicer action in use too with something over 400.you can obviously start coarser if you really feel the need.

[@Mikego55]

Great no frills videos, thanks for not overshadowing your vids with annoying music.

[@jimcrawford9767]

👍

[@dantreadwell7421]

Fun with surface tension

[@christ9359]

Do you have a card scraper sharpening/use video? I can't believe how effortless it looked to scrape the varnish off of that handle

[@ryanswank5648]

WD-40 simulator

[@ethans.550]

I enjoyed WD-40 my goodness

[@bmo14lax]

I didn't know WD-40 was a good way to clean rust, I honestly thought it was just for lubrication. I need to learn more about it lol. Thanks lad, beautiful plane. Love anything old and Stanley!

[@benarn2752]

It was actually designed to prevent and remove rust in airplane parts

[@bmo14lax]

@@benarn2752 so it prevents it and removes it? Should I be lubing up my tools with WD-40? This is kind of what I've been wondering how to properly clean my old tools. Thanks

[@clfamily9885]

@@bmo14lax Its not a terrible way to lube tools, but it dissolves any old lubricant and can dry out over time. If you keep applying it consistently it should be fine though.

[@bmo14lax]

@@clfamily9885 hm okay. Thank you kindly

[@carrops]

WD-40 is pretty much a god's blood

[@101kurtj]

Went from tt to KZbin and I'm glad you did. You're a smart fellow and I enjoy your stuff.

[@jakesnacks2620]

I Need a few hats like you have

[@fruitcake1483]

If anyone is watching and needs to restore their plane, please don't do what this guy's doing. Paul Sellers has a great video on KZbin about how to properly restore a bench plane.

[@EoinReardon]

Where did I go wrong?

[@fruitcake1483]

You always flatten a sole with the plane assembled and the lever cap locked. Also, there is no need to make the sole completely flat. A hollow in front of and behind the mouth is totally fine and actually reduces friction.

[@machineshopbasicsforthehom2291]

You need at surface plate.

[@cawashka]

so glad I discovered this man‘s channel

[@shanecoyle3676]

I love these videos after work. They really chill me out. I learn so much but one of the most important lessons is I need to find a cork lass with a similar accent I could listen to it all day.

[@johncoy-stevenson9986]

My understanding is with the leather, it removes the burrs from the blade so it's as sharp as it can be and more of a flat surface.

[@kkuenzel56]

Great video Eoin! Could you perhaps do a video on all of the adjustments on a hand plane?