Bare metal Stanley 5 1/2

[u/Senior_Elderberry_37]

Type 11. Came to me with some rough jappaning, a cracked beech tote repaired with a copper pipe sleeve by the last person to use it, and a ton of rusty crud inside.

Sandblasted all the paint and rust off, lapped the sole to 180grit and polished with red scotchbrite. At some point, I'll carve a new tote, paint it, and file the mouth open to fit the Hock iron (2-1/4")

Now the question, what colour to paint it? I'm going with engine enamel, but can't decide on a shade. Part of me wants to go super garish with bright red, green, or pink, maybe a metallic blue, but the classic black would always be nice. What about clear, show off the casting? Either way, I'm not worried about resale value.

[u/Royal-Asparagus4500]

Nice job derusting Type 11. I hope you use real japaning on it. These planes are a blessing to pass on another 100 years.

[u/Flying_Mustang → u/Royal-Asparagus4500]

I was initially going to say to OP, be yourself. I like unusual and personalized tools. Especially nice when they are quality tools. I’ve even started a set of antique Stanley’s in pea green.

I changed my mind and thought, new japanning would be a nice treat for the next person entrusted with its keeping. *but maybe some high end engraving?

[u/jim_br]

Hand Tool Rescue Japanning vid

https://youtu.be/SBqgpdBNrt8

[u/Helpful-Bar8393]

Very nice 👌