Gently cleaning Galoots:

In discussing what finish (if any) to apply to a plane, you have
to use terminology real carefully. Most "tung oil" finishes are
actually oil/varnish mixtures, and many contain no tung oil at
all. Also, "Danish Oil" is not really oil - it is also an oil/
varnish mixture.

I haven't cleaned/restored too many wooden planes, but my 
philosophy is generally to do as little as possible. In most
cases I've just wiped 'em clean and rubbed on a coat of wax.

But I've often wondered - wouldn't it make sense to varnish
wooden planes? The resulting moisture barrier should enhance 
their stability and limit seasonal changes, no?

Once, at an antique shop, I was *given* an old Ohio grooving
plane. This one had literally come from the chicken coop - it
still had a few feathers clinging to it, tenaciously glued on
by chickensh*t. I took this poor fella' home, bathed it, gave it
a light sanding, and soaked it in boiled linseed oil overnight.
Sure, it took a long time to dry, but the oil closed the up 
cracks nicely, and that plane is now a decent user.

I'm following this thread pretty closely, because I recently 
picked up a set of 18 hollows and rounds which need a bit of 
attention (no, it's not quite a half set*, but I do have 8 matching
pairs). These planes were stored improperly, and they have some 
light dirt and a tiny bit of water damage. Thanks to Tony Seo, I 
now know that the maker (I. E. Smith) is a two-star maker, and the 
planes may be 150 years old - although I do plan to use them, I 
want to be sure I don't compromise their historical value.

I guess what I'll do is clean them lightly and apply paste wax.
Since they were unfinished originally, I don't feel that I should 
apply any oil, but I think paste wax is OK since it is somewhat 
reversible. Any comments from the woodie crowd?

- Eric B. in Fairbanks, Alaska


* - I guess this is a WTB for I. E. Smith woodies, 
    particularly a 1/4" hollow and a 1/2" round.