The inimitable Bernard Jones had this to say on the topic (The  
Practical Woodworker, original c. 2nd decade of the 20th century,  
this from the 10-Speed Press facsimile edition, 1983), p. 55:

	"A plane should be 'oiled' before using; this makes it heavier,  
lessens the friction, and thus makes the plane work easily.  A  
reasonably heavy plane is better than a light one, as it works more  
solidly and does not require so much pressing down on to the work.   
If the plane, therefore, has not been oiled, or is too light, it  
should be soaked in raw linseed oil or other suitable oil until it is  
a suitable weight.  This is usually done by suspending it in an oil  
tank.  If this is inconvenient the cutter and wedge are taken out,  
the bottom of the mouth of the plane is stopped with putty, and the  
mouth filled with oil  After a few days the oil will have soaked into  
the plane; add more oil until sufficient has been absorbed.  Planes  
are sometimes french-polished, but this is not necessary."

	The companion volume (The Complete Woodworker, p. 38 of the 10-Speed  
Press facsimile edition) has this to say:

	"In the case of new planes it is a good plan to soak them well with  
linseed oil a short time before using, and then, by well rubbing the  
surfaces, a dull finish is obtain, and by following this with an  
occasional rub, the surfaces are kept clean and in good condition.   
Some people oil a new plane by removing the wedge and irons, stopping  
up the mouth on the face with putty, and then filling the mouth with  
linseed oil, leaving it until the oil exudes from the pores and the  
end of the stock; it is allowed to dry, and then polished with  
friction."

	Tom Holloway
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