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One Great Tip » Refurbish A Classic Apron Plane
Refurbish a Classic Apron Plane
By Seth Keller
Photos by Seth Keller
Posted August 9, 2012
Few tools are as simple and utilitarian as an apron plane. I had a $100 Lie-Neilson Apron Plane years ago, and it disappeared in my co-operative shop. Chamfering, trimming tenons and cleaning up tear-out are just three of the myriad uses for this little tool. I always wanted to replace it, but just never got around to it.
Wandering Main Street with my daughter after a Fourth of July parade, we ended up in an antique store. I found this little gem, and at only $10.00, I couldn’t pass it up. A little elbow grease and it will be as useful to me as the guy (or gal) who used it 60 years ago. Stanley sold tons of these things, so this wasn’t an antique restoration, but rather a tool restoration. It didn’t need to be beautiful, just functional.
First, I needed to ‘lap’ or flatten the sole of the plane, as the bottom of the plane was gouged and a little rusted. I taped a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to my table saw top and began lapping the plane. On a larger plane, this job might take an hour or more, but with a little plane like the Stanley #102, it only took 5 minutes. I went through three sheets of 80 grit and 2 sheets of 180 before the surface was flat.
The blade in the antique plane was also badly pitted and chipped. Rather than try and salvage this one, I decided to replace it. I had two options; first was to find another Stanley blade on Ebay or Craigslist, or second, buy an aftermarket blade designed for this plane. IBC/Pinnacle makes beautiful, thick replacement blades for antique Stanley planes that are far superior to the ones originally sold. Function is my primary motive for this plane, so I went for the replacement blade.
Set up on this apron plane is easy. Slide in the new blade and tighten the thumb-screw. Once set up, the new plane works perfectly. While I never used this plane new, the refurbished one works like a champ. The Pinnacle blade, which is cryogenically treated C2 tool steel (and razor sharp I might add!) will out last me. For around $30.00, I have a tool that performs like one 3 times the price. That deal is tough to beat!
Sources:
Pinnacle Replacement Blade for Stanley #102 Block Plane, Item #150593, $21.00
Woodcraft
www.woodcraft.com
800-535-4486
11 Comments
I have the same apron plane. Picked it up the same way. Works like a charm. I like using the older ones better then the ones you get in the big box stores.
Actually, the third item is a cornet, not a trumpet - played one in high school 58 years ago
Hi Bbankes- Great minds think alike! While an apron plane can't really be considered a 'precision' tool, a flat sole and sharp blade are critical to the performance. I wouldn't think of buying one from a box store. Definitely, my Lie-Neilson worked great, and I would recommend that one too. Skip- I'm more of a guitar guy myself. Thanks for the comments. Seth
I am a tool collector and user, and thought this was a block plane, not an apron plane. What is the difference, if any? Thanks.
HI Westevenssr- Block plane is the overall definition for any small, compact plane used by one hand. Apron planes would fall under the umbrella of 'block planes', (because these small planes are tossed in a shop apron) but other planes considered block planes, like the stanley #60 1/2 for example are considerably larger than this Stanley #102. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment! Seth
i have the same plane...but i got it from my grandfather.....great tool !!
Hi Retired62- I agree wholeheartedly! You're lucky to have such a great tool. -Seth
I will walk the extra mile to use a 60 1/2-P (low angle) block plane. I guess it seems more ergonomic, as my palm rests lower to the work piece and in a straighter line with my arm. The lower angle does end grain easier, with less chatter. I think I'm less likely to drag it on the back stroke too, preventing that shining over of the back edge.
Meh. I'm still trying to work out how to use the planes I have!! but I'm more than willing after reading this to try something new if I see it at an antique store. Thanks.
Hi Dace80- The 60 1/2 low angle is a great choice. Both do the same thing, but the 60 1/2 is a bit bigger than the 102 I refurbished. I think it comes down to preference. To MotownJG, I would suggest the 102 as a great place to start with planes, especially with the Pinnacle blade, which is super sharp straight out of the box. This gives an idea of the potential of planes, but without the expectations that seem to accompany bigger hand planes. Once you master the smaller ones like the 60 1/2 and the 102, move on up with the knowledge that hand planing is impossible without super sharp blades and a little patience! Good luck, and have fun with the woodworking! Seth
Great article, I have never purchased a new plane but I do enjoy refurbishing old planes for use in my shop. It seems to me that you are a bit closer to them when you bring them back to use.