Restoring the Bench Plane | Paul Sellers

[@Paul.Sellers]

To see a beginner friendly step by step guide on setting up a plane visit our sister site, Common Woodworking: commonwoodworking.com/bench-plane-setup/ For more information, see paulsellers.com or woodworkingmasterclasses.com

[@INVICTUS9100]

Thank you for the superb video Mr Sellers.

[@natesnyder7259]

I love the brush you use for applying the shellac. Where did you get it?

[@brigittekunetz7722]

INVICTUS9100 l

[@ernestwhite8513]

INVICTUS9100 manly

[@swmoboy]

Paul Sellers v

[@nicetryfbi357]

I usually fall asleep during restoration videos, they like my asmr version. But when Paul speaks and shares his woodworking life lessons, I just cannot miss out on him. You are a human treasure sir.

[@anthonymcnamara4002]

Can't thank you enough Paul. I've just fully restored a completely unloved Stanley No 4 - Type 19 (1948-1961) that I picked up in a junk shop for just $5, in almost real time following this video. I've turned junk into gold with your help.

[@EricTViking]

I love the pragmatism in restoring this plane. No faffing, just doing what's required with no garnish. Great job!

[@MrZeerix]

Such beautiful and passionate words in the end, where you sad "if i had 50 more years in woodworking it would last all my needs". I'm a 17 year old boy from Sweden that seriously enjoy whatching all your vidios on youtube, they inspire me and got me motivated, so tomorrow i'm going to try to restore some of my old grandfathers tools! :)

[@EscapeMCP]

Go Hugo! :)

[@cavemanjoe7972]

MrZeerix How'd you do with granddad's tools?

[@ldwithrow08]

I understand the feeling. I am in my seventies and have finally settled down in one place long enough to get a real shop set up. If I work all day every day till I die, I don't have enough years left to do everything I want. My advice: Start young as possible and settle down as soon as you can. You only get so many years so make the most of them.

[@watermain48]

I'm right there with you. Glad to have Paul Sellers to learn from.

[@Hippiekinkster]

CHECK OUT SOME JAPANESE WOODWORKING & CARPENTRY VIDEOS... YOU WILL BE MESMERIZED!

[@ForestWoodworks]

So often when I've gotten impatient with myself on my own restoration and woodworking journey, watching one of Paul's videos seems to bring me forward a bit. And I keep going.

[@bluecobra6294]

Paul your instruction has once again given life to a plane my late father had over 60 years ago. It’s like it just woke up. Superb video. Thank you so much. Rob.

[@beinghuman665]

just watching this now. To restore and I am from Burma much willing know to know when it manufactured its rusted and appearance seem hopeless but still work amazingly well. it was given to me by the one who saw my passion for woodwork and love for planners. he handed it over to me.

[@robdev02]

This is the best hand plane restoration video on KZbin. More time spent on preparing and aligning the surfaces necessary for the plane to plane perfectly than purely cosmetic aspects. Learned an enormous amount. Many thanks.

[@MarcusRefusius]

Is it just me? Or does anyone else find it EXTREMELY gratifying to bring these old girls back to life? I was a Garbo for years and rescued heaps of old bench planes. So fun reviving ol’ Rusty back to a gleaming happiness.

[@doczoff5655]

As a novice woodworker I have been achieving very poor results with a an uneven rough finish and excessive tear-out. I've just followed Paul's steps on a Stanley #5 and the difference is utterly incredible, the plane now glides smoothly, produces a uniform crisp shaving and leaves a silk smooth finish. Working over a previous area of severe tear-out now leaves a perfect finish. I now understand how Paul can achieve such excellent, precise results, so all I need now is about 40 years practice :)

[@robstevens180]

@Doc Zoff, would you mind sharing the link for the particular video, Please. I am a novice, just received my first 2 , a block and a bench, used handplanes, I could really use some help on properly setup and adjusting. Thank You

[@mattmatt222333]

How much did Paul pay you to say this?

[@mombalthazor11]

I first thought.... I'm never gonna watch this whole video! But 3 mins in and I knew I was in for the long haul and so glad I did, I'm a 48 y.o female who has been self teaching myself for about 5 years with any tools I can find or afford, this has absolutely inspired me get out my Dad's old planes and get to work bringing them back to life, can't wait to start using them and GET ON WITH LIFE! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and wisdom with the world, can't wait to start binge watching all your videos!

[@bertkutoob]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Thank you Paul for your willingness to share. I've been laid up in hospital with a gammy leg for the last two weeks and and have been binge watching your videos. I am exceptionally chuffed to find that I've (by and large) been doing things the same way as you do. But what's really nice is to see things I'd puzzled out by myself (with considerable help from "Woodworker" magazine (UK)) confirmed by a real pro. As a now (recently) retired Civil Engineer, I look forward to returning to what I really love. Messing about with tools of character and bits of loose wood. Old codgers' Valhalla...

[@roadtriplover.]

8yrs after your post, @Paul Sellers, this video is so helpful. I just received a Stanley Jack plane from someone who stored it in his damp basement for over a decade. It is super rusty, but the blade appear salvageable and the sole looks like it’s worth the effort. I’m concerned about the copper adjustment know and the pressure cap (not sure what that’s called), but I’ll give restoration a go. Thank you for this video, which gives me hope.

[@els1f]

I love listening to Mr Sellers explain anything. I was needing this information, but I could listen to him explain how to tie your shoes. 😄

[@chancemiller9340]

ASMR

[@davesteinick833]

I've learned more about tools and techniques in a few weeks of watching Paul Sellers, than I learned in years and years of "Hard Knocks". I love that Paul films and publishes his craft. Huge thanks!!

[@Denzor-vd6nu]

Paul, this procedure is exactly what I've needed. I followed this and restored a #4 plane and I.. am.. amazed. I have never ever used a plane that works like this one does now, after your restore/sharpening/setup procedure. I had no idea that a plane could work this smoothly and precisely. Thank you so much for sharing your most amazing experience and wisdom with us all.

[@hopskeet1]

Paul is definitely inspirational. I recently suffered a table saw injury and started looking into more hand tool wood work. Paul has inspired me to take it by the horns.Currently I am restoring an old Fulton plane and very excited.

[@bobdove6068]

I’m 73 and just dug out a rusty hand plane my Dad used to have. I’m going to try and do what Paul did and use it instead of my power plane. I cleaned it a bit but it’s far from perfect. I have subscribed because you explain everything you do so well. I need 50 more years to get to anywhere near this level of woodworking expertise but I’ll give it my best shot. Thanks from South Australia Paul.

[@leus]

My late dad was a furniture maker. I love these videos because Mr. Sellers does so many of the things my old man used to do, right to the way he moves. So many details, the ad-hoc tools they make, the jigs, everything transports me right back to my childhood.

[@fepatton]

Working on a Stanley #4 right now. This is incredibly helpful, especially to help me differentiate what's important vs. what's not. Thank you!

[@irelanddarrie1996]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. Im a young carpenter with 10 years experience and now seriously getting into hand tools and our culture. I dont have any older mentors so these videos are priceless to the new generation and i! Its our responsibility to practice the trade and keep it going :)

[@eddiewoolfie3891]

Brilliant video Paul, I’m just away to get back into my workshop which I established 16 years ago. Tools will need a bit of refurb but metal tools I can deal with, power machines I am a bit apprehensive to fire up. Never mind, I stumbled on your channel a few week ago and have watched most of your videos fantastic. You truly are a master craftsman and glad you are passing on your skills, I’m not much younger than you 62 but still keeping my hand in, take care and keep up the fantastic work 👏👏👏👏👍

[@tpobrienjr]

A very simple, practical way to take a plane from rustiness to truly fine condition. Once again, thank you very much, Mr. Sellers!

[@Whatthensayyou]

Man I would love to come to an in person class! And Paul.. Remember this, you really do have another 50 years plus of woodworking ahead of you.. Unless KZbin is ever deleted my kids will be able to watch your videos when they get older and get into woodworking well after you and I are both gone!

[@theunisw]

I have seen a number of KZbin clips on restoration of hand planes. This makes the most sense. No vinegar or rust removing chemicals just good old fashion hand polishing. Thanks Paul for video.

[@mikekim5135]

Thank you, Paul, for your videos. They have been very inspirational to me. I'm well into my 40's and after having had shoulder surgery I have taken up hand tool woodworking as a new hobby. I find that woodworking provides a wonderful blend of cerebral engagement and physical activity. I especially appreciate the quietness of hand tools especially when compared to their powered counterparts.

[@jamesgsmith5379]

In a throw away society it is so refreshing to see quality tools restored.Pleasure to watch a true tradesman at work.

[@ChrisHanna-jc4zw]

Just a brilliant lesson all round, simply explained and to the point. I will shortly be in receipt of my own 2nd hand Stanley Plane and now know exactly what to look at and what to do. Thanks Paul

[@BeanieTheBodach]

I inherited this exact plane from my grandfather in almost this same condition. This is a lovely and informative video and helped me honor his legacy. It was really interesting opening it up and finding his hand-written notes on the bottom of the blade!

[@daireburke7906]

Just got the same plane from my grandfather today too

[@user-nx2qz5jo5g]

i was just about to look into electric sanders bc i ran out of sandpaper & i found my grandpa's bench planes. small & large, im just realizing how into woodworking he was. He's been gone 20 years, but i use his tools everyday & am always learning. This is the first vid ive seen of yours but it feels like you made this just for me, thank you.

[@angryginger791]

I partially restored a couple of planes last year, but they still don't run quite as well as I'd like. This video did a much better job of explaining the process and I'm excited to tune them up again. I'm really glad I restored some old planes instead of just buying new ones or having someone else do it. It really helped me to understand how the plane works and what sort of things affect it's performance. Plus, now if I want to buy a new plane, or I'm looking at others to restore, I'm confident that I know what to look for.

[@MrMoggyman]

Really practical. Who would have thought that ANY plane can be restored. Paul Sellers, master craftsman, shows you how, and gives you the full confidence to have a go yourself. To do carpentry you don't need thousands of pounds. Sure it speeds things up if you have the machine tools, but if you watch all of the Paul Sellers videos, he shows you that you can get just as good outcomes with hand tools and a little more time without it costing you the earth. Wonderful series. Just look at that restored plane. Who would have thought that rusted relic could be restored to this?

[@TaylerMade]

i have been a furniture maker for over 20 years but still enjoy watching your video's. and yes this old dog has picked up some new tricks lol. there are very few actual craftsmen producing video's; but an awful lot of wannabe's with no actual training, so this content is very important for people interesting in learning the craft correctly.

[@fe3613]

Do you recommend young people get into the furniture business?

[@bighands69]

@@fe3613 Do you mean be a furniture maker? My suggestion if you had the opportunities would be to do bench joinery and then Architectural technology or Architecture. And if you can combine those fields with a good work attitude you will become successful. Whatever you do please do not get in debt to start is business if possible because it makes if very difficult to succeed and if there is debt try to keep it lower. I trained in woodwork as a child with my grandfather who was an arts and craft carpenter and then I went to medical school and I ended right back at woodworking and own several small businesses in that field. What Paul Sellers does is pure craft based and if you start from that foundation your skills will be beyond most of the marketplace.

[@fe3613]

@@bighands69 Thanks for the reply. By "architectural technology or architecture" do you mean 2 and 4 year degrees? I have learning disabilities and can't get a degree, do you recommend anything that doesn't require a degree, or is it not likely to be able to make a good living that way?

[@icarus901]

Tomato can + rolled rag soaked with 3-in-1 oil: genius. Every video from Paul is fabulous, each with so many little great tips like this one.

[@NERVESxxOFxxSTEEL]

Thank you very much sir! im a beginner and sharpening was the one that always put me down, now i fully restored an old plane and thanks to you now it looks better than new because i put my soul into restoring it and it shaves perfectly. you not only restored a plane but you restored my passion in woodworking! greatest respect from Australia 😊

[@Gmunny1066]

Absolutely amazing watching someone work at a task who knows where their end goal is and knows what it takes to get there. Beautiful work sir. Thanks for posting

[@robling7738]

Thanks so much for this. I've just restored my grandads old Marples no. 4 which has lain unused for at least 20years. It's come up pretty well but the cutting iron still needs some work. From knowing nothing about these planes I'm now confident I could keep the old Marples going for another 50 years.

[@bighands69]

I have my grandfathers 1920s hand planes which are a collection of wooden planes he made, Stanley planes and also custom cast Iron planes that he got made by his brother. There is no reason your planes could not last 100 years.

[@mmccorm11]

Paul, this video is going to be known as THE video to watch when you are restoring your first hand plane. Love the attention to detail!

[@nitramretep]

This is a great video that shows a step by step restoration by a great master , Paul Sellers. Mr Sellers is a prolific teacher and master craftsman. His videos are some of the best on woodworking and all things related to same. An excellent video, thanks.

[@essentialhandyman]

There is no other KZbin channel that I'd see a video that's an hour and eight minutes liong and click play. But for a Paul Sellers' video, I just knew it would be an enjoyable hour, that flew by. You did not disappoint Paul. I've got an old Record 4 1/2 plane that needs restoring. You've just given me the knowledge (and encouragement) to give it a go. Many thanks. Five stars, as always.

[@howardjohannssen4607]

Wonderful presentation! I have three+ generations of many planes from my father, grandfather and family! They where all carpenters, cabinet makers and boat builders. I’m going to get them all in shape!

[@dalejones4186]

Thank you Paul for this video. My grandfather was a woodworker. When he passed, my dad received an old plane that my grandfather had used in his shop. My father is now ailing and has passed this plane to me. It is in bad shape and thanks to this video I now know how to restore it for my son to have. Great job

[@alexvstools]

I remember meeting Paul when I was 12 or 13 when he was at Homestead Heritage in Waco Texas. I love that he's making incredible videos like this. I'm working on restoring several hand planes and am glad to have this guide to help me learn how to do it the right way.

[@thesewalkamongstus8367]

I have just followed your instructions, and have rejuvenated my vintage Stanley Acorn smoothing plane, I bought for £3 off a market stall in 1987. It is now the sharpest it has ever been since I have owned it- it even did the noose pull shave perfectly. Thank you for these videos, they are fantastic. Michael Hughes aged 62 1/2 and still learning.

[@sailormatlac9114]

Thank you Paul! After watching your video, I visited the nearby antique dealer and got an old Stanley #4 for less than $20. Three hours later it was as good as new.

[@roberthill5549]

I used my father's old, inherited Stanley No. 5 this evening. Then I ran across this video as I was unwinding for the night. I am inspired. Tomorrow morning's project is getting Dad's old friend into tip-top condition. Many thanks.

[@neildixon2863]

Fascinating and I've been spellbound since finding you Paul KZbin needs more guys like yourself, legend! 😊

[@williamsjoinery8186]

I have watched this twice now and I have a new love for my old Stanley planes. It is always tempting to splash out and buy an expensive ‘perfect’ plane but using a plane that has faithfully served many woodworkers over the years and doesn’t need retiring just seems right. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@lrdisco2005]

I have lost count of how many times I have watched this video, as good as two weeks holiday every time.

[@malango255]

My father was a carpenter and all tools went rusty. I've spent the last few months cleaning them and the amount of pleasure I got from it was great. I've been building things from reclaimed woods and it's become a real hobby for me now. it's great to see my dads tools working again.

[@gee3883]

Brilliant Mr Sellers, just what I need to restore my Stanley plane. The end result here is superb, no harsh machined edges, just perfect.

[@ateleskier7066]

I have a Record #5 and a Stanley #4 both bought for pennies online and both rusted and unloved. I thought I was going to see a lot of acid baths and similar as I've seen in other restorations. Instead I saw a craftsman restoring a craftsman's tool using a craftman's techniques. So glad I watched! Now, back out to the garage to get on with it! A thousand thanks for posting.

[@HP41CY]

I wish you had another 50 years for woodworking and I wish I had. Thanks for the video, Paul!

[@TimDonnet]

Many thanks for this Paul. I've inherited a cabinet full of old hand tools from my late Grandfather, and I really want to let them go to waste. He taught me how to turn lace bobbins on a lathe he built from scratch when I was a child; now that he's gone I feel a part of him lives on when I use my hands working with wood. I've been scratching my head thinking it was going to just be too hard to restore his rusty set of planes (he lived near the coast and the salty air has gotten to them), but after watching your tutorials on restoration and blade sharpening, I'm much more confident now. I'm now really looking forward to the challenge and doing my Grandfather proud in keeping his tools in the condition they should be. Thanks once again.

[@benadams6332]

It is a joy to watch a true master at work, thanks for all the videos.

[@mikesummers8338]

Thank you Mr. Sellers. I just restored a Stanley #4 and #5 after watching your video. They were both in about the same shape as the one you just restored. Now they look great and run even better. I love seeing old tools restored to new and usable condition. Most older tools are much better quality than new ones today.

[@lordkrispy]

Thank you for such a full and informative demonstration. I just inherited an old plane from my father that's rusted to death and likely not been used in 20 years or more. I now look forward to getting it back to working order!

[@rodbrink4811]

Best source for really intelligent practical information on restoring a hand plane without any excess work... but only what makes the plane a functional long lived tool.

[@RobRobertson1000]

Thanks SO much Paul. Have been restoring my 45 yo #4 after 40 years of no use (long gap :)) Some tips there that I really need to take on board, but even more, some sage advice as to what NOT to stress over too.

[@GregJorgo]

I have watched this a couple of times now Young Paul, and I have to say it’s inspiring to get my old/in need of resto No 5 out and give it some of the love you teach here! Thankyou!

[@AndreaArzensek]

What a beautiful plane restoration Paul, I hope you do work for the next 50 years in woodworking! Thank you for your virtuosity!

[@sritchie1272]

Ronald Kearn the one in the video is a bailey plane

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

NO, it was a Stanley Plane! Watch the video again!

[@lxkhn]

The Bailey line of planes manufactured by Stanley

[@green_building]

Yes i wish Mr Paul is only 30 years old now.. So we can have him here for quite long to come

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

needed this, I inherited my grandfather's old planes, a Stanly number 7 I think, it's like 17 or 22 inches long and a Stanly shallow cut one, both are in need of love. I feel confident now to "fix" them, meaning hone them in like you just did, very little rust on the surface. There is something really soothing to working wood with your hands, I do have all the power tools I need, but I believe if you can do it by hand, using hand tools, you can be even better when you have the power tools, either way my grandfather will be proud looking down at me, using his old tools to make beautiful things!! thanks for your time!

[@craigslitzer4857]

26:02 Good practice, if trimming a bolt like that, is to find a nut that fits it before you start cutting the end of the bolt. Thread the nut part way down the bolt, then make your cut. Now when you remove the nut, it will serve as a makeshift die to clean the bolt threads on its way off the bolt.

[@konstantinivanov1986]

You go find a nut that fits a stanley post those threads havent been made since ww2

[@georgehelliar]

Konstantin Ivanov it's still a useful tip, even if it might not be practicable in this case

[@2shoestoo]

Craig Slitzer yes it’s called chasing the thread

[@tjenahoj]

@craig slitzer. Good tip, very true. Another tip built on same principle is to put 2 bolts on a long screw or threaded bar and hacksaw in between those bolts to desired lenght.

[@lucadorigo1813]

That's a great tip, I wasted so much time with files trying to re-thread the ends of a bolt after cutting/filing it.

[@mjremy2605]

You are a craftsman and it shows. Glad I found your channel. I have an antique bench hand plane and need to restore it. I refinish wood as a hobby, though I have not used shellac yet. It is a fine old finish but not durable. I like everything to be durable and solid as a tank. Why use shellac on the wood handles? You might be better off with Polyurethane. I would strip and sand both handles, then lather them up with boiled linseed oil, wipe off excess, let dry 1-2 days, then coat with diluted oil polyurethane - 2-3 coats. This will last a lifetime with no need to redo. Wood grain shows up beautifully, oil conditions the wood so it does not crack. I did all my garden tools this way. They are waterproof and crack proof. When you thin out the poly to 50% or 60% with mineral spirits, it soaks into the wood. Now the wood gets very hard and it acts like a glue preventing any cracking. The BLO is like a wood conditioner for thirsty dry wood. I love this method (my own) and I do all furniture with it. You can wax or oil on top of the poly. Since the poly is diluted, it is not tacky and you feel the wood below, so it looks like a hand rubbed finish. Try it sometime. Any area of rust (except the bottom or blade) gets a spray of Loctite Rust Neutralizer so no more rusting anywhere. It might work for the bottom too, if very fine spray, then a wax coating to slide well. Solves the rust problem. With regard to fixing your blade, get a grinding stone. You save on paper. Its silly to spend valuable minutes of your life and to tear up your hands on manual grinding. Makes no sense at all. One bench grinder with two wheel grits - done in 2 mins or less.

[@123shanek]

Fantastic tutorial. I enjoyed watching every moment. You have a talent for teaching aswell as woodworking. The oiled rag in the tin....what a wonderful little tip! Keep up the inspiring work!

[@TermiteUSA]

I put an old soldier, s US built No.5 today, from the parts bin, today. It was rough but it's just marvelous to see an old tool come back to life. Thanks again Paul.

[@ldwithrow08]

Even with a new plane out of the box, I do a disassembly and do a lot of polishing and sharpening. I've only bought two new ones in my life and have had to work on both. I have a half dozen assorted planes now ranging from a Tru-Value Master Mechanic to a Sargeant Hercules. All of them came from yard sales, auctions and second hand stores. I spent several hours apiece tuning and refurbishing them. Even a cheap plane can be made into a very functional tool with a little work and constant care. Considering how much regular maintenance is needed to keep a hand plane in good condition, the original cost is only a fraction of the value.

[@07roadking43]

Paul you are an inspiration to watch ! I hope to be enjoying your videos another 50 yrs !!!!

[@thomashanson6607]

Absolutely incredible video! This is the video P. Woodworking should have made decades ago, and didn't. Good timing also, I just bought a 99% nearly new #3 Stanley that has been in a collectors possession for many years but was for show only. I have a tip for those with less experience than Paul: When adjusting the blade to get it just right, a magic marker line across one side of the flat in the adjusting screw will let you deal with the backlash and come back a nudge more or less with ease.

[@HistoricHomePlans]

Paul, I'm a total beginner and found your channel a few weeks ago. I am so happy to be able to embark on this adventure under your guidance. Thank you! ... I got delivery of my first Stanley plane, an old 4 1/2, a few days ago. This weekend I'll be restoring it.

[@BrucesShop]

"And get on with life really" great quote.

[@MatthewBrown-wq1nc]

Thanks so much Paul for putting this on. Following your instruction I've just rekindled the life in a Stanley no.5 which I picked up here in New Zealand. I am now the proud owner of a lovely plane thanks to you .....and a lot of elbow grease!

[@bornodnoc1034]

Thanks for making this hour something worthwhile.

[@freewheelinfranklin6201]

My dad was a joiner throughout his working career and stupidly I wasn't interested in woodworking. What a missed opportunity. Now at 56 years old I find woodworking facinating. I may even have a go myself. Thank you, Paul for these marvelous videos. You show how it's done and how to take care of your tools. You do this in an easy to understand method. You Sir, I take my hat off to. Not only are you a master craftsman you are an excellent teacher too.

[@_muratori]

I was waiting for this video since I got my first plane! I haven't seen one that explained how to adjust the frog since now. Gotta work on it this weekend. Thank you very much.

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

Federico Muratori check out Mr Chickadee channel also. He is good also.

[@tinydx95t2]

I have been watching your videos and I have to say that I've learned more from you than anybody. You're a remarkable teacher and I am going to watch all of your videos because I've never learned so much from one person. I'm slowly getting the things I need to start making things and I want to do them by hand. Thank you for all of your help.

[@gilessteve]

I just did this to a Stanley #4 and there was an additional problem not mentioned in the video. When I put the plane back together, the lateral adjusting lever had to be positioned hard right to get the blade to project evenly across its width. Close inspection showed that the frog was not sitting quite square in the plane, so I filed one of the bearing points a little to get it to sit flat. This solved the problem. The lateral lever is still not quite centred, but I put this down to my novice blade-sharpening attempt that left the blade very slightly out of square. This is no doubt what the lateral adjusting lever is meant for.

[@musamor75]

A blade should ALWAYS be ground dead square across. That's rule number one. The lateral adjusting lever is for very fine tuning. The frog adjustment is for closing the mouth when working with wavy woods to avoid tear-out. There are some very serious sharpening grinders out there, that maintain the angle. One of the best is Tormek. This brand uses a water stone that turns slowly- absolutely NO blueing the blade and distempering it. Unfortunately Stanleys are much cruder than they appear; they were never really ground square, and the adjustments left a lot to desire. For the last fifty years the tool steel is of appaling quality- you can never get a keen edge. Today the Veritas and the Lie Nielson go way beyond what Stanley ever achieved. If you tried one you'd never go back. Both of these brands make beautiful precision tools. Of course, they are outrageously expensive, but quality pays. Actually, the number 4 1/2 is a much handier plane- more weight, and more width. Weight helps a lot, even for smaller work. I'm not disagreeing with anyone; I've salvaged a good amount of old tools in my time, but it's good to move on and discover improvements. Try out one of the above-mentioned planes, and you'll see the revelation.

[@lbhunter6341]

Paul, you never cease to amaze me...when I think you can't teach me any more, you prove me desperately wrong! Thank you for what you do, friend...

[@cyohara4961]

Hi Paul, thanks for your exciting tutorial, it is inspiring, especially on my Father's very old Nr 4, ex WD plane. I am sure that he would be more than pleased to see it now with it's bright shiny and so efficient new life, sadly, he is no longer with us. Many thanks. Cy O'Hara

[@D4rkysLP]

Years ago, when I had no money to setup a workshop, I stumbled across your videos and purchased some hand tools. A Record No.4 plane, some good chisels and other stuff like the Veritas Mk2 honing guide. But I never really came to use them. Here I am again, 7-8 years later, now 30 years old and married, still not able to purchase big tools and still without the space for a huge workshop. At least I got a one-car garage now, which luckily doesn't fit our VW Passat because it's too small :D and a room in the basement, where I can work now. I reground the Record yesterday and today in the morning, after reading some of your blog posts, I went for the hunt for a small block plane. Good news: I won an auction today for 10£. Bad news: it includes a Stanley 130 block plane AND a Stanley Handiman No. 4, and I gotta pay shipping to Germany :D Other bad news: I still got three auctions running, where I am highest bidder currently. All in the same price range, all for block planes :D I will try to restore the ones I get following your videos, and if I don't find them useful (included are a Stanley 9 1/2, 102 and 110), I will sell them restored. Now I want to make some stuff like a shooting board and a thickness planing jig, since I want to use them for some first Kumiko experiments and maybe some other small woodworking projects. Thanks a lot for your videos and guides, they are really helpful!

[@pjculbertson55]

I just picked up an old Stanley 4 from a seller on eBay. I can't wait until it arrives so I can restore it using your video as a guide. Thanks for such an in depth look at it.

[@christofear]

I did as well, how much for you pay for your

[@mcdowell356]

Thanks Paul . I watched this video and went right out to my shop and reconditioned one of my Stanley bench planes . Took me around three hours but now planes beautifully . Thanks again .

[@louis-raphaelpelletier4803]

Thank you! I bought a cheap "Stanley" plane, prepared it following your instructions, and it works very well. Best, LRP

[@Carleef]

I just finished following this and refurbishing my own plane. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to try. It works!

[@brettdavis5555]

Thank you sir. Just getting into woodworking and was able to get 4 planes at yard sales. Looking forward to using them.

[@spinny2010]

Hello Paul. I could compliment you and your channel on so many levels. The one thing I will take away from this, apart from how to restore a plane, is the realisation that most craftsmen and women only pass their accumulated knowledge down to relatively few people. You are reaching hundreds of thousands. And that knowledge is of course built upon the shoulders of multiple generations over thousands of years. Literally. And I mean that literally. Thank you so much. Hope you are well and happily tinkering away.

[@aurelijusap]

10:50 golden words: get on with life...

[@VKMilling]

Mr. Sellers, I have to say THANK YOU for putting out these plane sharpening and restoration videos. I have begun buying lots of planes from a local antique store for less than what I could get them new and I am restoring them for use. A few No 4s, 2 No 6s, a nice 22" smoothing plane and a myriad of others. It's all thanks to you sir.

[@Earthy0]

I love the colour on the tote. What dye did you use in the shellac?

[@keeganlobb7970]

"Be happy with nice steel surface you've established and get on with life" that tickled me

[@kaasmeester5903]

Thank you for this tutorial, and your other videos! My dad and granddad always told me to take proper care of my tools and equipment, but I never had any formal training as a woodworker (and neither had they). Now at least I know a little about caring for my tools, thanks to you. These days the impulse is to replace rather than repair, and while I can finally afford to splurge more than a little on new high-end tools, your videos did inspire me to make a few of my own instead, or to give old tools a new lease on life. I recently picked up a sadly neglected #4 Stanley bench plane from the 70s, got it back into good working order, and it's just so satisfying to use a tool that you've personally improved, restored or made.

[@d.dominguez5280]

Mr. Sellers: My father was a iron and metal craftsman, and he would use molasses to remove heavy rust from vintage iron tools. After which time we would sharpen and restore the hand tools. Have you ever used that process to remove heavy rust? I'm not sure if molasses is a commonly used ingredient in the U.K.? Thank you for the videos and the manner in which you teach. Thank you again and blessings to you and yours.

[@bfflorida2311]

D. Dominguez , that is old school. . Not best for heavy rust, light surface rust and keeping original patina.. yes... I still use that every so often. . thanks for sharing. .

[@radoczi94]

I use a bench grinder with a wire brush wheel on it.It removes the light and heavy rust, and all it leaves is just the blackened steel, the patina.You may want to use an air filter mask for this kind of job.

[@wsp4th]

I usually use a soak mixture of course salt and white distilled vinegar, followed by mineral oil soaked grades of #0 through #000 steel wool

[@eddiecarlcalhoun]

I'M ALL EXCITED TO FINISH UP CLEANING AND SHARPENING SEVERAL PLANES I HAVE....BEST RESTORATION VIDEO FOR PLANES I HAVE EVER SEEN...

[@JohnKirkwoodProFoodHomemade]

Another great video. Sound keeps coming and going though. Liked.

[@apinakapinastorba]

+John Kirkwood I have managed to watch only few minutes, lets see :D

[@JohnKirkwoodProFoodHomemade]

+apinakapinastorba Cheers, apinakapinastorba I will persevere with it.

[@marshallballantine-jones3819]

My favourite English chef commenting on my favourite master woodworker - happy days!

[@DawgsChamp88]

Beautiful video. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. I've collected a few planes over the years because I thought they were neat looking, but never really looked into them. I have my late father's plane and I saved my husband's late uncles plane. Just recently, my husband found a plane some put in the dumpster at work. He thought I would want it and brought it home to me and oh boy did my face just lit up with joy. A Stanley Bailey type 13 No 6 from the 20s and 30s. I need to find a few parts, but it has the frog and handles are in good shape. Your videos have made this lady very happy. Thanks again.

[@grizzly22485]

Great info. I love it when someone smart agrees with me. love the simple way you teach us how to do things.......Ross

[@stillwater1914]

Every time I watch this, I learn something new! Viewing 3rd time. You make it look so easy but there is so much to it. I bought a rusty old #4 and am in the process of resurrecting it. Fun. Thank you Mr. Sellers!

[@HansZarkovPhD]

Can you do a video sometime to explain the difference between the numbers of theplanes and what they are used for? Bench vs. block, vs bullnose,vs low angle, etc... I would like to start using more hand tools and less power and don't know which ones to buy for the projects I have in mind.

[@Erowens98]

The numbers refer to the size of the plane. A bench plane is the style you saw in this video. A block plane and a low angle plane are the same thing. In them the angle of the blade is much more acute for endgrain work. A bullnose plane, also reffered to as a shoulder plane is a plane where the blade is flush with the edges of the plane. Here is a link that tells you what the different numbers mean on stanley planes at least homepages.sover.net/~nichael/nlc-wood/stanref-num.html 1-8 are the bench planes. 1 being shortest of stanleys bench planes and 8 being longest. I find the most useful ones are the numbers 1, 4 1/2, 7, 8, 60 1/2 and 62. I work as a luthier mostly so a lot of difficult figured wood and usually nothing longer that 1500mm.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

Birki gts What type of guitars do you build? I have been teaching myself classical\spanish style and I think my end game is going to be to build my own instrument.

[@Erowens98]

Scott's Wood I build all kinds of stringed instruments based on what is ordered. But most of my orders are for electric guitars and classical guitars.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

Do you have a website or example catalog? I might be interested.Birki gts

[@Erowens98]

Scott's Wood Nope, so far i've only taken local orders and have spread through physical ads and word of mouth. In the near future i hope to get a website up, but i don't have one yet.

[@Felipera_]

Just got my brand new plane and followed all of this along to get it in perfect working condition! Thanks Paul, I just got my first piece of wood square, smooth and straight all by hand today!

[@gustavo13k]

Too bad I can only give 1 like per video