Rusty Old SpokeShave - Perfect Restoration with Japanning paint

Rusty Old SpokeShave - Perfect Restoration with Japanning paint

Very Rusty Old SpokeShave Plane Restoration
I got this rusty old spokeshave plane from my uncle. The surface is heavily pitted and with holes everywhere. Based on the logo, the spokeshave was made by Diamond Brand company, which is from China.

In this tool restoration, I wanted to experiment with the most traditional method available. Then, I found out this Japanning paint on metal works. Japanning is a type of finish that originated as a European imitation of Asian lacquerwork. Japanning technique was widely used until around the end of WW2 at least, especially for handtools made of cast iron. This painting technique was then replaced by more advanced method, such as electroplating. For the recipe, I did some researches online. The heart of japanning is asphaltum, which in powder form with brownish black colour. However, I found a recipe which use bitumen as source of asphaltum. Asphaltum is available from a variety of sources, another example would be roofing tar. The recipe that I used in this restoration:
1 part Bitumen : 1 part turpentine
(adjust to get consistency like treacle, let cure under direct sunlight)

The screw is not of a standard one, someone joined two pieces together with an adhesive, which was not done professionally. I am not happy with that, so I make a better one using the original pieces. Had to part the pieces and weld with better alignment. Barter system was applied in this project (2 cans of 100 Plus in exchange with welding works). That is why the front cover plate was not welded to perfection in order to fill up the pitted holes. I am in need of a welding machine :)

But overall I enjoyed this tool restoration. Learned a bit of history and developed new skills. Being the first time in most of the process is pretty challenging though.

So I hope you guys enjoy the video as well. Let me know what do you think. Please leave me a comment to give feedback and share your thoughts :)
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