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Hand Plane Care

Featured Replies

So, I own quite a few Lie-Nielsen hand planes and saws. A few weeks ago, the air conditioning went out in my small shop. I live in Virginia and it is very humid (and hot) here. Long story short, I am having to vigorously clean my planes and saws everyday to get rust and residue off of them. I wipe them twice a day with camiela oil. Despite all my efforts, I am cleaning them every morning.


I love my hand tools and I strive to treat them well and take care of them. I have way too many planes and saws to bring inside every night. I use most of them ona daily basis.


Does anyone have any suggestions or miracle cures for my plane problem?





Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

furniture paste wax or top coat. Both work well


Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com
  • Author

Bob,


So you are telling me that I can use furniture wax, such as paste wax, on my planes? Will there be any build up that I have to wipe off everyday? I have thought of this but was worried about marring my work. Have you tried wax? I am desperate. If you are sure, I will try it.

Bob Kloes said:


furniture paste wax or top coat. Both work well


Bob Kloes






Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

Adam, I haven't used it on my planes, but I use it on all of my tool surfaces. I use it on the table saw, joiner, planer, and backsaw top. I don't think it will cause you any problems and it helps to provide protection from the same elements on the big tools.


 


 





John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

T9 Boeshield works great!


Also, Johnsons Paste Wax works great, stay away from silicone based products.


If I had to choose I would choose T9. You spray it on and wipe off, and  your good for a couple months.


Now that being said Adam, your not confusing patina with rust are you? My hand planes are getting darker, but not from rust, it's just the color they are gaining. I like the patina myself, but others do love to maintain that bright silvery look, and there is nothing wrong with that!





John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Johnson paste wax, butcher's wax , even parafin wax from the canning section at the grocery store. Don't use car wax. Yes it works fine. As john said , the color of your tools changes over time. Your hands impart oil and dirt. Just how it is. But wax works fine. I have used it for 35 years and never have an issue. I am not a big fan of boeshield. Costs a lot more and doesn't , for me, give any better protection. It does work well if you want to cover something with it and let it sit. bob


Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com

I hang onto dessicant packs anytime I come across one and store them in drawers with handtools. Also, you could put a dehumidifier in your shop. I'm from Vienna, VA, so I feel your pain!

  • Author

Nope. I have a #3 and #4 that are both bronze and I like the patina they develop. Its my iron planes that I am worried about. I m fastidious about keeping them clean and since the A/C went out, it has been a constant battle. I have paste wax and am about to go use it. I hope it works. In the mean time, I am storing them inside. Thanks for the tip.

John Morris said:

T9 Boeshield works great!

Also, Johnsons Paste Wax works great, stay away from silicone based products.

If I had to choose I would choose T9. You spray it on and wipe off, and  your good for a couple months.

Now that being said Adam, your not confusing patina with rust are you? My hand planes are getting darker, but not from rust, it's just the color they are gaining. I like the patina myself, but others do love to maintain that bright silvery look, and there is nothing wrong with that!



John Morris

The Patriot Woodworker



Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking
  • Author

Thanks, John. I am going to give it a go.

John Moody said:

Adam, I haven't used it on my planes, but I use it on all of my tool surfaces. I use it on the table saw, joiner, planer, and backsaw top. I don't think it will cause you any problems and it helps to provide protection from the same elements on the big tools.

 

 



John Moody

John Moody Woodworks



Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking
  • Author

Thanks, Kari. I live in Newport News and WOW is it humid here. Sometimes it gets so thick, you can touch it. I am looking into a dehumidifier but, more importantly, I am looking into fixing my A/C. Thanks for the tip. For now, I am letting my planes live inside and watch tv. Hopefully, this will calm them down a bit.

Kari Hultman said:

I hang onto dessicant packs anytime I come across one and store them in drawers with handtools. Also, you could put a dehumidifier in your shop. I'm from Vienna, VA, so I feel your pain!T



Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

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Adam Welker said:

 For now, I am letting my planes live inside and watch tv. Hopefully, this will calm them down a bit.

Kari Hultman said:

I hang onto dessicant packs anytime I come across one and store them in drawers with handtools. Also, you could put a dehumidifier in your shop. I'm from Vienna, VA, so I feel your pain!T



Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking



John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

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