bikefoolery Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 Just bought my first hand plane from an antique store. I think it's a Wards Master No 4. It may look a little rusty in spots, but I think I can it can be restored for regular use. Before I take my first trip down restoration lane, I'd like to know I'm not screwing up a collectible. So, should I restore it for use, or just make it a display piece? It's a pretty functional device. Forgive my lack of correct technical terms. The lateral blade adjustment lever works, and so does the knob that adjusts the blade forward and backward also works. The tool still makes shavings. From what i've read it's very much like the Stanley No 4. opinions? Thanks, -josh P.S. Yes, I realize this may start a long decent into hand tools Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 Just my personal opinion, but tools you don't use are a waste, regardless of their 'collector value'. Display it when it doesn't work anymore. Have fun making shavings while it can! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 I collect all sorts of tools to use. You're probably going to have to get a replacement iron for that one. Any pitting on the back down next to the cutting edge, and it gets impossible to get one really sharp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 It's not a collectors item to the best of my knowledge. It could be made to work fine, a new blade would as Tom says would save you a bunch of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pghmyn Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 It's not a collectors item to the best of my knowledge. It could be made to work fine, a new blade would as Tom says would save you a bunch of time. For as cheap as blades are, compared to completely restoring that one, I would buy a new blade. Probably far superior cut quality, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Wards are not usually collectable planes and this one is rough enough that it is definitely not a collectable. Definitely go and restore it, it will make a fine user. Planes are super easy to restore compared with many other tools and fairly addicting. There are lots of videos and guides online for how to restore them. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikefoolery Posted April 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Thanks for the guidance. I didn't presume it was collectible but it's good to check. I took a part the blade and chip breaker. There's not much rust by the sharp end. I'll give it a shot to sharpen it up, but what are options for replacement blades? Just measure the existing one and find one in my price range? Is putting a Hock blade in like putting fancy wheels on a junker car? Do you usually replace the blade and chip breaker together? thanks, -josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Is putting a Hock blade in like putting fancy wheels on a junker car? -josh More like dropping a turbo V-8 into a Honda Civic. And yes, you'll get better results if you include the Hock chip breaker as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilgaron Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 An overnight Evaporust bath and that'll be good to go. I'd try the original blade out before bothering with a new one. If nothing else it'll be good to practice sharpening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I'd personally snif out a second hand stanley blade and breaker/cap iron. They will work just fine. If you want a "super smoother" save the $ for a decent one outa the box. Woodriver #4 as the cheapest "super smoother". But hey it's yours, pimp that plane! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikefoolery Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 I'm evolving. Hand planing is a FUN! Perfomed a 'mild' restoration: part soak in evaporust, sanded and refinished the knob and handle, kinda lapped the sole flat (not perfect), and sharpened the blade to 500 grit using the scary sharp method. It's still pitted in the non-essential parts, but the sole and blade are good. Shavings are light and thin on used oak wine flat staves. Pine and poplar are whispy light too. The grain gets so smooth. Very happy with it as a starter plane. Now I'm on the hunt for a few more. Cheers, -josh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Great Josh, a very sensible way of restoring a new plane! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Sweet refurb. Congrats. Stripping the handles down turned out really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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