FWIW, modern nickel will not stick to steel. Norm is right, there is copper
plating underneath.

I don't know if the historic nickel alloy will stick directly to steel. Maybe
someone like M of A can help us.

Gary K
Albion NY, USA
---- Norm Wood  wrote: 

=============
Hi Bill,

On 17 May, Bill Webber wrote:
...

> I think oxidized nickel is simply dull nickel looking.  Anyway, I'm
> thinking the presence of rust on a nickel-ed plane indicates plating
> loss and rust of the underlying iron. 

I have an older #90 (Stanley small rabbet plane, Jeff) that per B&G is
nickel plated, and this one looks like nickel rather than chrome.  There
are some areas where the nickel is gone, and the surface underneath has
a dull reddish-brown color.  Rather than rust, this looks more like a
plating applied prior to the nickel.  The surface is smooth and the
color doesn't rub off on my hands.  I seem to remember that for some
materials, copper is applied prior to the final plate to help the final
plate adhere, but I can't point to a reference now.

FWIW,

Norm
 - Madison, WI


> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
> 
> To change your subscription options:
> https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
> 
> To read the FAQ:
> https://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
> 
> OldTools archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/
> 
> OldTools@s...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.

To change your subscription options:
https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools

To read the FAQ:
https://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html

OldTools archive: https://swingleydev.com/ot/

OldTools@s...