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Rust, Hand Planes, The Right Tools, What Else?

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Figure 6 - A few spritzes of Camellia Oil on a terry cloth "bar mop" is a great place to rest your plane while working and the oil inhibits rust and eases the work

Just a quick little tip. Grab what is commonly called a "bar mop" --- basically, a small terrycloth towel --- fold it in half lengthwise, apply a liberal amount of Camellia Oil , and place it on your bench whenever you are using a hand plane. When you set the plane down for a moment, put it on the bar mop. The soft towel will prevent the protruding blade from being dulled by contacting your benchtop, and if you drag the plane backwards a bit as you pick it up, it will wipe away any dust on the sole of the plane and deposit a trace amount of Camellia oil. Slick trick to ease planing and help cut down on corrosion. Try it!

Let's see, was that all I wanted to say this month? Right tools for the job, watch out for the summer rust, get a hand plane… on yeah, one more thing. Sometimes the right tool for the job simply doesn't exist, so you have to make it yourself. That's what I did recently, and if you enjoy a good tool "hack" occasionally, be sure to check out this month's video . I am willing to wager that a lot of people are going to do this!

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Steven Johnson is retired from an almost 30-year career selling medical equipment and supplies, and now enjoys improving his shop, his skills, and his designs on a full time basis (although he says home improvement projects and furniture building have been hobbies for most of his adult life). Steven can be reached directly via email at sjohnson@downtoearthwoodworking.com

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