In a message dated 5/30/01 7:52:42 AM, mtv@m... writes:

<<
... However, the japan finish on a Stanley plane is a tough nut to crack 
(even a very rusty plane). It took two days in the bath before it started to 
blister and three days before it started to peel.
>>

Full-strength Pine-Sol does a very good job of softening the Japanning. The 
softening begins in a very few minutes.

As a consequence, I now de-gunk my Japanned Stanley tools with Simple Green, 
which will not soften the Japanning, yet is even more effective on 
accumulated pitch than is Pine-Sol.

I prefer to stick with water-soluble cleaners. Others on this list prefer to 
use turps.