Rusty Tools

[Rascal]

I have recently inherited a number of wood working tools, chisels, various saw, planes etc. Most of these tools date back to between the 1920’s and 1940’s.

The vast majority appear in a reasonable condition – apart from a couple of tenon saws, rip saw, and a plane (fore plane) which have become rusty in places. The plane I am sure I can clean up, but Im wondering if it is possible/worth cleaning up the saws.

Does anyone have a tried and tested method of removing/restoring rusty saws?


Thanks

PAul

[Yorkie]

To be quite honest, unless they're high quality saws worthy of the attention of a 'saw doctor' (if you can find one), I wouldn't bother. Electrically hardened hard-point saws from DIY stores are now so cheap (under a tenner) and so durable, that it's not worth the effort. I think the hard-point rip saws are sometimes called 'contractors saws' and come with a range of tooth pitches.

I had some Sandvik high quality saws that I'd had for 50 years which were in excellent condition and had been sharpened several times over the years, but I recently donated them along with other tools to a charity that I send surplus tools to called 'Tools with a Mission' - I now just use modern saws which last quite a long time, then are binned when they lose their edge as they can't be re-sharpened. I don't doubt that cabinet makers would baulk at using such saws and would only use brass-backed tenon saws, but as I'm not a cabinet maker - just a woodworker, such tools would be wasted on me.

I collect unwanted tools from members of the woodturning club of which I'm secretary and pass onto 'TWAM' periodically - brace and bits, planes, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, chisels etc. They refurbish them and put them into kits to send overseas to teach people how to become self-reliant instead of dependant on aid. Last month, a member had replaced his Record lathe, and donated it to TWAM, which I thought most generous - he could have sold it at the club for at least £150, probably more.

[pwdrive]

I would agree with David, unless some of them are really collectable eg: Norris planes etc.

Lawrence.

[Yorkie]

Planes usually fettle up fine, and if the plane iron isn't up to much, with a new plane iron the plane can be good as new.

It always surprises me what old woodturning chisels, often in atrocious condition, fetch of e-bay. They'll almost certainly be carbon steel, unlike modern high speed steel, and will want sharpening every few minutes if say turning a 10" diameter bowl. Such tools as basically junk - many need re-handling, and unhandled brand new HST tools aren't overly expensive, so why throw good money after bad, buying junk?

Amateur woodturners such as myself often assemble an impressive array of woodturning tools, but when professional demonstrators give demos at our club (we only use demonstrators who are members of the Register of Professional Turners), they rarely use more than four or five tools - 3/4" roughing gouge, maybe a 1/2" and 3/8" bowl gouge or spindle gouges, a parting tool, and maybe a couple of scrapers.

Top ranking production turners don't have the time to keep picking up putting down and sharpening a wide range of tools. When they pick up a tool, they press on with it - high skill - low tech.

[AlanBeckett]

http://www.davidstanley.com/
Just down from the road from me. If you want to spend some serious money on antique tools go to the International Auction.

Alan

[Retired]

Hi,

I'm in full agreement with David and Lawrence on this Paul. Unless the tools hold some kind of value to you on a personal level or are indeed top quality I would retain the plane and dispose of the saws.

Years ago I gave away lots of wooden moulding planes to a close friend who has them scattered around his home as display items. A cheap router does a better and much quicker job.

I've got a handsaw under the bench in the garage and doubt I've used it once in the last ten years. I do have a decent tenon saw which I've actually been using this afternoon but my preferred saw is my trusty hacksaw; within its limits the hacksaw will drop through timber very easily leaving a nice clean kerf; I'm so used to using a hacksaw that I simply reach for it whether cutting metal or wood. With good quality metal cutting hacksaw blades at £4 per ten ( or 3 packs for £10) at Rufforth auto jumble it saves the hassle of saw sharpening; just install a new blade. For heavier cutting I have an assortment of power tools and machinery.

Kind regards, Col.

[pwdrive]

Hello David, just out of woodturning interest, a few years ago Gurnesey Woodturners (well known on the island for commercial woodturning) sold off all their kit, my friend bought the lot, I was there at the time and helped him move everything including a nice commercial copy lathe, four cutter, moulders, extraction equipment etc. I picked up a couple of turned vase shaped items that they used to buy in from China, if I remember I will take a photo of the vase if I can find out where I put it..... I think it was turned from pine root.

Lawrence.

[Rascal]

Thanks guys for all your posts.

I guess you all confirmed what I really thought. The tools were my Grandfathers , he was a carpenter/cabinet maker back in the day, and so obviously they hold a certain sentimental value.

That aside I find it more and more difficult to get rid of anything that says ‘Sheffield’ on it!

Sometimes you need a ‘reality check’ particularly with items passed down through the ages.

I intend to clean up the planes, and keep a handful of the chisels
Thanks again

Paul