I was at my plywood supplier when walking through their used tool section when I saw a gorgeous vintage hand plane. It had years of shop time atop its cast iron and brass surfaces. I tried to recall a time in which I had previously restored a hand plane and the only recollection I could muster up was an old block plane that must have been my fathers or grandfathers. I searched for a while with no luck on finding that particular plane. I must have been loony thinking I had a chance in finding a tool that I hadn’t seen in over 20 years that would have been misplaced through several moves. That is when I decided that the recently discovered plane in front of me needed new life. I believe the plane to be circa 1920’s. It seems earlier planes of the Fulton designation had “Fulton Tool Co Warranted” inscribed onto the plane iron. Mine just says “Fulton Warranted”. I am by no means an antique hand tool expert and invite anyone with knowledge on the Fulton planes to leave a comment below. For those of you who don’t know I am very sentimental when it comes to the lineage of tangible items. I suppose it would just be neat to have solid facts on this particular plane.
I took the restoration a bit further than most would but that is par for the course with my personality. The only closing note I would have for someone who might be interested in undertaking a similar endeavor, is to just have fun with it and take your time. I sure did, as it took me a bit over 3 weeks of my spare time to complete the project. One thing I failed to mention in the video is that you will want to protect your newly surfaced bare metal with some sort of rust preventing coating. Whether it be paste wax or my go to, which is T-9 Boeshield. I would love to hear what you think in the comments section and Enjoy!
All bare metal surfaces I applied Boeshield T-9. You just spray it on, wait 5-10 minutes, and wipe it off.
Here are some before pictures of the plane:
Here are some progress and after pictures:
14 Responses
You did a beautiful job on the Fulton plane. I have just recently started restoring planes working on several now. I picked up a Fulton #3 exactly like yours last Monday at local flea market. Already de-rusted it. It is complete even the wood is good. Paid $2 for it. I may take it all the way like you did and shine this one up nice. Thanks for your post.
Kevin in California
That’s awesome Kevin – as you are finding out they do take a fair amount of work to restore but when you can get them for only a couple bucks it’s tough not restore a few of them
Dude I’m blown away with the result of this hand plane. Just bought my first plane and I was trying to tune it up with my limited selection of tools. The I came across this video and I jus want to throw it awat LOLLLL Nice job Man
glad you liked it – granted you really only need a flat sole and sharp blade, but I figured I’d try taking it to the extreme – thanks!
Nice job, Nick! what diamond stones are those? Trying to find some that do not cost an arm and a leg. 🙂
thanks – these are the diamond plates I use – http://amzn.to/27C7mwm – I just added them to My Tools page
Hey Nick,
Dude that is just awesome!! loved the video and the pics. If only I had the tools you have Lol. You must really have some fun in your work shop. Keep up the awesome work 🙂
Cheers
thanks Joel – always having a blast!
NICK, I’m a new woodworker. I have a woodworking project so need a hand planer. Do you have any recommendation?
I am no hand tool expert but depending on what you plan on using it for, a small block plane is always handy to have around as well as something around a #4 or #5 bench plane – that should at least start you off on the right foot – another thing to add is they are A LOT, and I mean A LOT more fun and easy to use if they are sharp – and I mean razor sharp
Hey Nick,
It’s great to hear you describe the learning process. I love the idea of restore hand planes.Thanks for this helpful addition!
thanks, glad you liked it – hopefully you restore a couple now
A few tips mate. If you polish the sole up too high it creates more friction than if it was a brushed finish. Also, in future it’s best to do sole work (flattening with sandpaper) with the plane fully assembled. You did a fantastic job. Really brought the life back into the plane.
I mention in the video that I had the plane fully assembled when flattening the sole and took it to around 320 grit so we are all good to go