= Stanley No.4 / Type 18 =

(1948-1947)

I picked this plane up from my local tool dealer for $2.00 It was in pretty rough shape and had a cracked tote.

This plane is one of my favorites just because of what I paid for it and how rough it was when I got it. The plane was stripped apart, the body & frog was sandblasted and painted. At this point I am not using the traditional "japping" but using a high solids engine paint. This paint can be bought at any parts store. I first apply a light coat of zinc etching primer to the body followed by 2 coats of the black paint. Once painted and it has had time to flash dry, I make it for 20 minutes at 200 degrees. The wood is sanded & refinished with shellac. I use a product called "Brasso" for the brass knob. I let it soak overnight in a paint can cap and the next day I clean it with steel wool and buff with a cotton rag. The cheeks & sole are flattened on a large 6" x 48" belt sander followed by a hand flattening on sandpaper. All the hardware, iron cap, lever cap and blade are cleaned with a fine stainless wire wheel in my 8" grinder and buffed on a buffing wheel.  I will try to go into further detail at a later date.

This page created & maintained by Lee Thomas  

last updated 4-06