Restoration of Antique Hand Plane - Complete with Japanning

Project Item Description
Vintage Hand Plane Restoration.
In todays video I have chosen a small Number 4 Vintage Hand Plane made by Hi-craft. The Hand Plane comprises of 5 Main pieces, The main part is the Cast Iron Body which has a flat bottom called the Sole, the Sole needs to be perfectly flat in order to work correctly. The second part is called the Frog, This has a couple of functions, one being to allow the Blade to be seated at the correct angle and it also encompasses two means of adjustment. The Blade or Iron sits on top of the Frog and accompanied by a second blade called a chip Breaker. These two irons are fixed to the body by a Lever cap and held in place by a single screw. The Lever Cam allows small adjustments to be made once everything is fitted together.

Restoration Process
This little Hand Plane is not in great shape as you can see from the video but I thought it needed a little TLC, It is covered by excessive amounts of Rust on all surfaces and required a couple of different ways to get it back to bare metal. I had decided that I would use Japanning on this Project as I wanted to make it as close to original as possible, I think you agree it turned out great. The handles where stripped and recoated in dark Walnut which compliments the brass screws and polished edges perfectly.
I cooked the Japanning for 1 hour at 100 degrees C then allowed to fully cool before repeating the process at 150 degrees and 200 degrees. If you require any more information on Japanning it can be found on Hand Tool Rescues Channel / handtoolrescue
If you have any questions regarding this project or maybe you could offer some advice which I can use on future work I would appreciate your feed Back.
If you enjoyed this video please consider leaving a like or comment as it really helps the channel.
Regards Brian
Points covered in this Video
How to sharpen a Plane Iron
How to restore a Plane
How to repair a Hand Plane
Vintage Hand Plane Restoration
Best way of Removing Rust
New Japanning Recipe
How to Sharpen a Hand Plane
Restoration
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[@cathybenson5119]

You're the 2nd bloke on you tube to give credit to Hand Tool Rescue for the japaning recipe I found in the last few days. Lol. Well done. You did a great job on the restoration too. 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Cathy, Hand Tool Rescue is a very knowledgable guy, credit to him for posting this for us to use, regards Brian

[@philipchandler330]

Exceptional quality restoration great patience "Both"

[@earlssmallsegmentshop5798]

Used real japanning unlike almost all other folks GREAT

[@kavemkavem8259]

Tré bien 👍❤ bonne anneé 2023 🌹🌹🇩🇿

[@131dyana]

Thank you.

[@nataliakhartskhaeva7446]

Спасибо за видео,с большой любовью к своей работе относитесь. Очень желаю, чтобы у вас были ученики, ваши знания и любовь к труду, необходимы для потомков.

[@robertanderson259]

I suffer from CDO….it’s like OCD….except it’s alphabetical! I totally admire your attention to detail and hard work - I just wish that I had your passion and drive - I have subscribed for inspiration!

[@shawnataylor7998]

Beauty..I would like to see the Stanley drill next.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Shawna, The Stanley drill is about 2 thirds done and hopefully ready for middle of next week. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Regards Brian

[@jacilynns6330]

First off it looks nice. FYI not all hand planes, including Stanley’s, were Japaned. Many were baked on enamel. Hard as heck to remove as sandblasting doesn’t do squat. Blades are 25 with edge at 30. It drags on the wood otherwise and doesn’t cut well. Smoothing planes with their much higher angle you go 30 with edge at 35. Always check handles to make sure they don’t wiggle. Frogs on generic planes the edge doesn’t touch the throat and they shimmy. I have had to machine a few so that the frog is stable. The sole should be flattened after handles are on, frog tightly in, and blade clamped in place. It affects sole. Back and front edges should have a slight bevel and sides should also have a slight taper so as to not mark wood. Blades should also have a slight camber or they leave grooves when handplaning. Otherwise nice job making someth8ng most people throw away into something useable.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks for taking the time to write this Comment Jacilyn, it must have taken a while. The information you shared is appreciated and I will use it when I work on another plane. Many thanks Brian

[@paulquinn5260]

What a great restoration.well done. Paul Bedworth Warwickshire

[@ronnieahman6958]

Fantastic restoration once again. The handsaw would be interesting.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Ronnie, I think the masses are pushing towards the Drill but I will do the Saw after it. Stay tuned the next one will be worth the wait. Regards Brian

[@bobcade1002]

Stanley Drill next. Nice job on the #4 plane!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Bob, The drill was completed just a few days ago. Regards Brian

[@TheLoxxxton]

It has to be the drill. Nice hand tool rescue shout out as well!!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Loxxxton poxxxton, Hand Tool Rescue is very talented and deserves the recognition for this. Not much info out there on this technique so he did us all a favour. Regards Brian

[@lt1376]

great work

[@wholefoodplantbasedmama5398]

That smile was unexpected. A little weird even but hey we got to see you. Well done!

[@vijaynaik7739]

Wow , beautiful finishing, as well as the workmanship.

[@carmencampbell6994]

I'm so glad to see you again! Lovely job there and I would like to see the drill please.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Carmen, it looks like I'll be starting the drill very soon. Regards Brian

[@georgebrown8312]

That is a beautiful job you did restoring that antique hand plane. It looks like brand-new and it works like a charm as well. Excellent work.

[@imunique7469]

Nice. I'll go for the Stanley Drill. Love ur work

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Im Unique, the Drill is looking favourite. Regards Brian

[@nickmastro9287]

You are a true master of restoration.

[@markschwegler1100]

The stanley!!!!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Mark, the Stanley is on it's way. I'm about 2 thirds done so hopefully ready middle of next week. Regards Brian

[@Cradley684]

Great restoration friend, have a nice day !!!. 👍👍👍👍

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Brian

[@carlmcgee1623]

A detailed work of art !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SarahsCookeryTips]

Cute frog 🐸 another excellent restoration, great job 👏 . I think the saw might be great for your next restoration but what do I know 😄. Nice to see you back your videos get better, I did like your vintage plier video too.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Sarah. , The Pliers turned out great, glad you enjoyed it. Regards Brian

[@Jabez525]

My day is going pretty well thanks.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Happy to hear that Jabez525.

[@capers72424]

Love that smile at 19:35. Clearly you are deeply enjoying what you are doing.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Capers72424 you have to enjoy your work or no point doing it. The next project is on the way and should be out in a few weeks Regards Brian

[@npfrestoration]

Excellent work!!! I recently refurbished one of these.

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Awesome job!

[@jamesalsup9135]

Excellent!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks James, glad you enjoyed it. Not long now before my next project is ready. Stay tuned. Regards Brian

[@kimlongfield8122]

I’d like to see how beautiful you can make the drill next.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Kim L regards Brian

[@artnels2]

The drill next for sure!

[@UniqueRestorations]

The Drill is very popular, Thanks for taking the time to Coment Art Nels. Regards Brian

[@grahampickering1560]

Fantastic restoration! Definitely the Stamley drill 🙂

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Graham, The Drill should be ready in a few weeks if all goes to plan. Regards Brian

[@grahampickering1560]

@@UniqueRestorations looking forward to it 👍

[@opticaltrace4382]

I've seen those drills restored before. I'd like to see the saw. Not as simple as some might think if you are going to reset the teeth 👍

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Optical Trace, I agree the Saw is not just a quick polished and Varnish. Either way both will be Restored. Stay tuned. Regards Brian

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

Very nicely done. A ton of work! I'd like to see the saw done!!

[@UniqueRestorations]

The Ropes of Renovation. It was a ton of work but no sore elbows this time, regards Brian

[@larrykelly2838]

Beautiful restoration.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Larry regards Brian

[@19Bmiller]

Well done, and I'd like to see the drill done

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Bob, looks like the Drill is looking favourite so far. Regards Brian

[@keithjohnson281]

I like your site because it shows that you are a metal worker first. Restoring a woodworkers tool. Wood workers do things oddly so in the middle of the video I tend to say, that's not how you do that!

[@moonlightsnowfall6734]

Nice work, that came out great!

[@jamesganieendawie9922]

You do an incredible restoration. I like how you do it.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks James,, my next should be ready in a couple of weeks. Regards Brian

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that, well done!

[@approjects8841]

I thought this video was fantastic 👏 it looks brilliant and I think you should do the drill. Great vid all around keep up the good work 👍

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks AP Projects, glad you liked it. Stay tuned for the next one. Regards Brian

[@YarrHarr11]

Restore the drill, looks complex and interesting!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi there, The Drill is now complete, regards Brian

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video! Awesome restoration project! Thank You So VERY Much for making and posting this video. Your video Realy showed me how to restore the three hand planes that were Extremely rusted up. i found three planes (a small 5 inch long plane, a plane the size of the one in your video, and a long jack plane about 2 feet long) a my local dump/transfer station. i Love building stuff out of wood using hand tools. i would love to see you restore the Stanley drill Please. :)

[@gregarrell6132]

Very nicely done, great job!

[@Stashmo]

You have tremendous skills and admirable patience. I’m not sure this mediocre quality plane deserved your talents.

[@VeganSmasher]

Loved the video. Also, that bench grinder needs some rubber feet or something to minimize the noise.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Tim Ideally I would have it on a stand but theres no where to put it. Maybe a future upgrade I think. Regards Brian

[@alexdeleon7135]

Well done!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Alex, Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Brian

[@animeangel1983]

I'd go with the drill too, looks more interesting to do.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Animeangel1983, I agree it is more interesting, most people saying the same. Regards Brian

[@davidjennings9253]

You have made a superb job of restoring this plane and it just goes to show that with care you can make a very usable tool out of something which looks past its best. I dont actually think that its a true antique plane and also quite a low grade copy of a Stanley probably 1980s, as the blade adjustment is made of sheet metal ( rather than cast ) as is the angle adjustment lever . Many plane makers introduced these cheap parts in the 1980s as a way of reducing costs and they do wear very quickly as you witnessed with the burrs on the lever. However, you have done the finessing which is missing from these cheap tools and as a result have brought it up to a good standard. Well done !!!

[@pabloperlo4479]

Beautiful

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thank you Pablo. Regards Brian

[@jalechavez6042]

Genial...Muy Bien my Friend....Saludosss

[@UniqueRestorations]

Gracias Jale. Regards Brian

[@mwhyte1979]

I would like to see you do the drill first and then do the saw. When you do the saw you should do a whole video on how to sharpen a hand saw.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Michael, The saw restoration will include resetting the teeth and sharpening. Regards Brian

[@mwhyte1979]

@@UniqueRestorations can't wait I've always want to see how hand saws are sharpened.

[@markneo1]

Excelente trabalho irmão. Parabéns 👏👏🇧🇷

[@UniqueRestorations]

Obrigado Marcello. Regards Brian

[@theeddorian]

With the small depth adjuster and the keyhole lever cap, the front knob should be low, and slightly flattened. The knob shown is a replacement.

[@carlogle6207]

Love the vid. I would love to see the saw - followed by the drill!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Carl, I will be starting the Saw next. Regards Brian

[@MrGlyn321]

That looks better than when you get it out of the shop!!! Well done sir.

[@ibbrey9882]

nice work. i already restored my plane last month. now i have a rusty handrill. so i would like to see the drill restoration first

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Ib brey, The drill is nearly finished and should be ready to watch this week. Regards Brian

[@Punchcado]

Thank you, very interesting restoration and well done. Either of the upcoming projects on offer would be fine. I am curious to see how you would repair that crack in the saw blade.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Punchcado. It looks like most people want to see the Drill next but I will do the Saw straight after. Regards Brian

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

Very nice job on the plane my friend. I liked and subscribed. Let’s see what you can do with the drill.

[@exeterinterception]

Great restoration saw or drill don't mind

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Exeter Trident. It looks like the Drill is next on my list. Regards Brian

[@highway7562]

Electrolysis my friend!

[@unclemilton815]

Excellent work. A lot of people would not have seen a no. 4 plane let alone used one.

[@josephrocco1609]

I would like to see the large hand saw restoration.

[@jeffraccoondk]

Good video, 25 degress first, then 30, then you Got at good blade on your plane. 😎😎😎

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Jeff, I did make a mistake on that one unfortunately but it was enjoyable to do and overall I am pleased with the result. Glad you liked it. My next one is a little more complex. Regards Brian

[@PaulTreefella]

I would like to see the stanley .

[@jimko97]

How did you get the lateral adjustment lever back on? I never take that off because I don't know how to get it back on. So I was very excited when I saw you grind it off, only to have my hopes dashed on the cutting room floor. Beautiful work.

[@40cleco]

Very nice job. Is there something wrong with your bench grinder? It sounds very rough.

[@NickandMildred]

Nice restoration …

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Nick Glad you liked it. Regards Brian

[@timjbd]

How many hours did you put into this restoration? Certainly worth doing if you intent to keep it and use it, but whether it's worth doing if you intend to sell...?

[@yusufabdrahman592]

Good ii boss 👍👍👍😊

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Yusuf Abd Rahman. Regards Brian

[@rigsby-i-am1050]

I used to do this, and every plane used to take me on average 21 hours to restore one.

[@kennethwilson1117]

The drill !

[@SuperXavierLambert]

The saw !!!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Xavier, The drill won the vote and it's available to watch now. The Saw will get done at some point although the one I'm working on now it my biggest yet. Regards Brian

[@keithhallbrook5629]

can you tell me what paint you used please as i have 3 planes to find a new home for thanks

[@Coolersson]

Great job!!! I really like watching your renovations, they are not as bizarre as in the case of many other authors. I have only one caveat, don't stretch your time, some activities you celebrate, that only candle processions and little girls with flowers are missing ;) There is no need to remove the screws with pliers and their presentation or slow sweeping with a brush ... Hope you won't be angry for this little criticism ... I greet you

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Coolerss, Thank you for taking the time to write this comment, I try to add and remove certain elements and ideas in each video to see what people want to see and hopefully create a more engaging video. Sometimes this does not quite work out but I hope over time I will find a nice balance for all to enjoy. Regards Brian

[@Coolersson]

@@UniqueRestorations Thank you for your response. I will definitely stay on your channel. You do some really great renovations by bringing your devices back to their original condition.

[@allanpalmer3143]

I was taught that the grinding bevel for a plane blade is 25 degrees and the honing bevel is 30degrees!

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Allan, you are correct. I made a mistake on that one. Regards Brian

[@DrMrSmooth]

Keep going mate . Nice content and restoration. You have support from my channel.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thank you Homemade and restoration. Regards Brian

[@davidroberts8499]

Both please but if I only get one the saw

[@vincentchov5760]

How did you re-attach the lateral adjuster, since you ground-down one side of the pin holding it in-place?

[@semperfidelis5979]

I would like to see the restoration of that large saw. The Hi-Craft plane came out very well. Do you know the makers of such plane? Was it a secondary Stanley brand? As everything is identical with normal Stanley plane design.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Semper fidelis, I will be starting the Saw next but I have an interesting project which will be out very soon. Regards Brian

[@sebastiaoprudencio6859]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Sebastiao. Regards Brian

[@teacheme]

My vote is for the drill.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Costa, it looks favourite. Regards Brian

[@erictoddw]

Nice! What's the frog about?

[@UniqueRestorations]

Part of the Plane is called the Frog.

[@erictoddw]

@@UniqueRestorations duh….I thought he was your spirit animal!

[@cathybenson5119]

The Stanley drill.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Cathy regards Brian

[@jdavidkatz]

What kind of plane is a "Hi-Craft"? I've never heard of it.

[@UniqueRestorations]

That's a good question Dave, I searched on the net for it but no luck finding anything. Regards Brian

[@trickyfocus]

The microscope you use plz

[@UniqueRestorations]

Hi Lenny, I dont use a microscope. Regards Brian

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Stanley drill.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Miss11 Lady 11 it looks like I'll be starting the Drill today. Regards Brian

[@patrickrainville451]

Both.

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Patrick, that's a good answer, both it is. Regards Brian

[@markphillips6154]

Stanley drill

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Mark. Regards Brian

[@vincethomrm]

The electrolysis should have released all foreign matter and buffs out clean. Why all the scouring, degreaser, sandblasting, etc.? And uhm, why not a more durable (exterior grade) varnish?

[@keithclark4967]

Saw

[@EdFhvn]

If that's acetone, why isn't it dissolving your latex gloves?

[@UniqueRestorations]

EdFhvn, I'm not sure it is Acetone, it could be a number of chemicals I use. Thanks

[@bartverstraete4831]

Great vid, but do you know you restored a 20$ plane (in good condition)? And you need to flatten the sole and sides with the plane assembled…

[@brandonquinn7772]

also should have epoxied that hole instead of improperly welding cast iron. All he did was SEVERELY weaken that area.

[@1leonardoleao]

The drill.

[@morrisonsusan]

saw

[@ramonjrballesteros1523]

You must have a super pentrating oil, you loosened the "rusty" screws with almost no effort!

[@SuperGeboren]

Drill

[@UniqueRestorations]

Thanks Alexander I think the Drill will be next. Regards Brian

[@brandonquinn7772]

Why put so much time and effort in to such an inferior plane?

[@christopherbedford9897]

If there's one thing I remember from wood shop classes at school, it was *_"Never, EVER, put the jack plane down on its blade"_* 😡

[@WihGlah]

I find it difficult to take channels seriously when they make such obvious mistakes. Never, ever, ever, EVER varnish a wooden tool handle...

[@UniqueRestorations]

WihGlah, Is there a reason for this?

[@jameshisself9324]

Too aggressive. Ground flat surfaces are now rounded off. Polishing everything is not really restoring.