Stanley Plane Question.....

[Argus]

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Here’s a question for the Stanley experts……….. metallurgists, maybe......

I have a couple of their old combination planes, a 45, and 46. Both these planes are perfectly usable and date from at least the 1920s; There is minimal corrosion on them, however recently the 46 has begun shedding tiny amounts of plating.

What, if anything, can be done to stabilise the existing plating, particularly on the areas on the edges where the shedding is already occurring? Also what can be done to inhibit further peeling?

I should add that these planes are in irregular use and have been as long as I have had them.

Thanks in advance for any advice ……….

 

[Racers]

Hi, Argus

I would pop it in the airing cupboard to dry it out and then wax it, renaissance wax will be best.
That should stop moisture getting to it and making it worse, the only other thing I can think of is to have it striped and replated, but it will destroy any patina it has accumulated.

Pete

 

[AndyT]

Like Pete said, as far as I know.

I think it's very common for the nickel plating to lift off a bit. On some of my planes where this has happened I have just carefully rubbed down the edges with fine emery paper to try and prevent any more getting caught and torn off.

 

[Argus]

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Thanks to both.
I'll try a light rub with very fine wet / dry and some wax.
It's just that the Stanley 46 has just started doing it recently ......... and it's a corker of a plane. Better than the 45 for rebates in my opinion.

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