Re-commissioning old planes, what's worth your time?

[Phil Pascoe]

People seem to make an issue of the varnish. Paint stripper, dry them out, lightly sand any roughness and soak for a few days in linseed. Job done - far more comfortable.

 

[Bm101]

Thanks all for the information and taking the time to reply. It's appreciated.
Theres a couple of pictures of the frog here http://imgur.com/a/qN2QB But it'll probably already just confirm what you've already said.

*ED and Phil, I ended up using the sharp edge of a file and almost 'turning' it off.. . (with apologies to all the turners on here!) and then just sanding the last bit. I quite enjoyed the last bit. I made up some of the restorer Andy T posted about as a finish when I get round to it.
Ah, I thought the tote was the front handle. And yeh, the lever cap... Oops. It'll stay as it is then. Nevermind, not the end of the world.
Thanks again all.
Chris

 

[MIGNAL]

Might be more mid/late 70's than 60's. Looks like a pressed yolk? The frogs that I have with a cast yolk have a better feel in the adjustment department, perhaps a touch less backlash.