Gary and others wrote...
>
>Ever look at an old untouched plane that was heavily
>treated with linseed oil? The ends are all gunked up from exudate and >the
>grain is almost nonexistent.

My only eggs-perience with linseed oil is with shovel handles.  In my
earlier life I was a contractor in SW Montana (My old partner has done work
on Harrison's ranch in Wyoming) An old timer told me to soak shovel handles
in Linseed.  SO fill a long PVC 2" pipe with boiled linseed and let the
shovel sit.  It works great for old dry handles but... it does leave a
sticky residue.  No big deal with a shovel.  Over time with dirt and what
not the handle is plenty clean and very strong.  I still do it with rakes,
shovels, sledgehammers what ever where the residue doesn't seem to matter.
Planes might scare me for what it's worth.

Charlie Nunemaker
Wilmette, IL
M-WTCA