Cleaning up wooden planes

[Noel]

I'm in a cleaning mood this week and have been cleaning up and removing rust and dirt from many of my metal tools most evenings.
What's the best way for cleaning all the muck and dirt off wooden planes? I'm sure I've read about vinegar, lemon, linseed oil, wax etc and wire wool (imagine not on all woods) or Scotch-brite/cloth but just want to check how others do it.
Thanks.

 

[Jacob]

You can just wash them in soapy warm water or sugar soap as long as you dry them promptly and don't allow them to soak.
Or dilute linseed oil + turps with wire wool, stiff brush etc etc.

 

[bugbear]

I'm in a cleaning mood this week and have been cleaning up and removing rust and dirt from many of my metal tools most evenings.
What's the best way for cleaning all the muck and dirt off wooden planes? I'm sure I've read about vinegar, lemon, linseed oil, wax etc and wire wool (imagine not on all woods) or Scotch-brite/cloth but just want to check how others do it.
Thanks.

If it's the mucky dark/black stuff, I've found that meths is the only thing that budges it.

If it's just dowdy, any approach that works for furniture will be fine.

Be careful not to get wax (if used) on bed, wedges or abutments.

BugBear

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Noel - have a read of AndyT's 'Tool Cleaning and Restoration Links' in the sticky at the top of the board. You'll need part 4 - using reviver.

One little tip from experience - the mixture goes a long way. You don't need to mix up more than a few spoonfuls. I made mine in a small mustard jar, so I could mix it (and remix it - it seperates if you allow it to stand) by screwing the lid on and giving it a good shake. (Slight mistake on my part - I didn't wash the jar lid thoroughly enough before it's new use, so now have a mustard-coloured mix. Doesn't seem at all detrimental, though whether it enhances the flavour of the tools I have yet to determine.....)

 

[Noel]

Thanks all for your suggestions.