To see a beginner friendly step by step guide on setting up a plane visit our sister site, Common Woodworking: commonwoodworking.com/bench-plane-setup/ For more information, see paulsellers.com or woodworkingmasterclasses.com

Such beautiful and passionate words in the end, where you sad "if i had 50 more years in woodworking it would last all my needs". I'm a 17 year old boy from Sweden that seriously enjoy whatching all your vidios on youtube, they inspire me and got me motivated, so tomorrow i'm going to try to restore some of my old grandfathers tools! :)

I love the pragmatism in restoring this plane. No faffing, just doing what's required with no garnish. Great job!

Can't thank you enough Paul. I've just fully restored a completely unloved Stanley No 4 - Type 19 (1948-1961) that I picked up in a junk shop for just $5, in almost real time following this video. I've turned junk into gold with your help.

I usually fall asleep during restoration videos, they like my asmr version. But when Paul speaks and shares his woodworking life lessons, I just cannot miss out on him. You are a human treasure sir.

Paul your instruction has once again given life to a plane my late father had over 60 years ago. It’s like it just woke up. Superb video. Thank you so much. Rob.

So often when I've gotten impatient with myself on my own restoration and woodworking journey, watching one of Paul's videos seems to bring me forward a bit. And I keep going.

As a novice woodworker I have been achieving very poor results with a an uneven rough finish and excessive tear-out. I've just followed Paul's steps on a Stanley #5 and the difference is utterly incredible, the plane now glides smoothly, produces a uniform crisp shaving and leaves a silk smooth finish. Working over a previous area of severe tear-out now leaves a perfect finish. I now understand how Paul can achieve such excellent, precise results, so all I need now is about 40 years practice :)

I love listening to Mr Sellers explain anything. I was needing this information, but I could listen to him explain how to tie your shoes. 😄

Paul is definitely inspirational. I recently suffered a table saw injury and started looking into more hand tool wood work. Paul has inspired me to take it by the horns.Currently I am restoring an old Fulton plane and very excited.

My late dad was a furniture maker. I love these videos because Mr. Sellers does so many of the things my old man used to do, right to the way he moves. So many details, the ad-hoc tools they make, the jigs, everything transports me right back to my childhood.

Paul, this procedure is exactly what I've needed. I followed this and restored a #4 plane and I.. am.. amazed. I have never ever used a plane that works like this one does now, after your restore/sharpening/setup procedure. I had no idea that a plane could work this smoothly and precisely. Thank you so much for sharing your most amazing experience and wisdom with us all.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Thank you Paul for your willingness to share. I've been laid up in hospital with a gammy leg for the last two weeks and and have been binge watching your videos. I am exceptionally chuffed to find that I've (by and large) been doing things the same way as you do. But what's really nice is to see things I'd puzzled out by myself (with considerable help from "Woodworker" magazine (UK)) confirmed by a real pro. As a now (recently) retired Civil Engineer, I look forward to returning to what I really love. Messing about with tools of character and bits of loose wood. Old codgers' Valhalla...

This is the best hand plane restoration video on KZfaq. More time spent on preparing and aligning the surfaces necessary for the plane to plane perfectly than purely cosmetic aspects. Learned an enormous amount. Many thanks.

Man I would love to come to an in person class! And Paul.. Remember this, you really do have another 50 years plus of woodworking ahead of you.. Unless KZfaq is ever deleted my kids will be able to watch your videos when they get older and get into woodworking well after you and I are both gone!

I've learned more about tools and techniques in a few weeks of watching Paul Sellers, than I learned in years and years of "Hard Knocks". I love that Paul films and publishes his craft. Huge thanks!!

I first thought.... I'm never gonna watch this whole video! But 3 mins in and I knew I was in for the long haul and so glad I did, I'm a 48 y.o female who has been self teaching myself for about 5 years with any tools I can find or afford, this has absolutely inspired me get out my Dad's old planes and get to work bringing them back to life, can't wait to start using them and GET ON WITH LIFE! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and wisdom with the world, can't wait to start binge watching all your videos!

Thank you for this tutorial, and your other videos! My dad and granddad always told me to take proper care of my tools and equipment, but I never had any formal training as a woodworker (and neither had they). Now at least I know a little about caring for my tools, thanks to you. These days the impulse is to replace rather than repair, and while I can finally afford to splurge more than a little on new high-end tools, your videos did inspire me to make a few of my own instead, or to give old tools a new lease on life. I recently picked up a sadly neglected #4 Stanley bench plane from the 70s, got it back into good working order, and it's just so satisfying to use a tool that you've personally improved, restored or made.

Working on a Stanley #4 right now. This is incredibly helpful, especially to help me differentiate what's important vs. what's not. Thank you!

8yrs after your post, @Paul Sellers, this video is so helpful. I just received a Stanley Jack plane from someone who stored it in his damp basement for over a decade. It is super rusty, but the blade appear salvageable and the sole looks like it’s worth the effort. I’m concerned about the copper adjustment know and the pressure cap (not sure what that’s called), but I’ll give restoration a go. Thank you for this video, which gives me hope.

Brilliant video Paul, I’m just away to get back into my workshop which I established 16 years ago. Tools will need a bit of refurb but metal tools I can deal with, power machines I am a bit apprehensive to fire up. Never mind, I stumbled on your channel a few week ago and have watched most of your videos fantastic. You truly are a master craftsman and glad you are passing on your skills, I’m not much younger than you 62 but still keeping my hand in, take care and keep up the fantastic work 👏👏👏👏👍

I’m 73 and just dug out a rusty hand plane my Dad used to have. I’m going to try and do what Paul did and use it instead of my power plane. I cleaned it a bit but it’s far from perfect. I have subscribed because you explain everything you do so well. I need 50 more years to get to anywhere near this level of woodworking expertise but I’ll give it my best shot. Thanks from South Australia Paul.

I partially restored a couple of planes last year, but they still don't run quite as well as I'd like. This video did a much better job of explaining the process and I'm excited to tune them up again. I'm really glad I restored some old planes instead of just buying new ones or having someone else do it. It really helped me to understand how the plane works and what sort of things affect it's performance. Plus, now if I want to buy a new plane, or I'm looking at others to restore, I'm confident that I know what to look for.

I wish you had another 50 years for woodworking and I wish I had. Thanks for the video, Paul!

Is it just me? Or does anyone else find it EXTREMELY gratifying to bring these old girls back to life? I was a Garbo for years and rescued heaps of old bench planes. So fun reviving ol’ Rusty back to a gleaming happiness.

Thank you, Paul, for your videos. They have been very inspirational to me. I'm well into my 40's and after having had shoulder surgery I have taken up hand tool woodworking as a new hobby. I find that woodworking provides a wonderful blend of cerebral engagement and physical activity. I especially appreciate the quietness of hand tools especially when compared to their powered counterparts.

I remember meeting Paul when I was 12 or 13 when he was at Homestead Heritage in Waco Texas. I love that he's making incredible videos like this. I'm working on restoring several hand planes and am glad to have this guide to help me learn how to do it the right way.

i have been a furniture maker for over 20 years but still enjoy watching your video's. and yes this old dog has picked up some new tricks lol. there are very few actual craftsmen producing video's; but an awful lot of wannabe's with no actual training, so this content is very important for people interesting in learning the craft correctly.

I used my father's old, inherited Stanley No. 5 this evening. Then I ran across this video as I was unwinding for the night. I am inspired. Tomorrow morning's project is getting Dad's old friend into tip-top condition. Many thanks.

"And get on with life really" great quote.

Thank you Paul! After watching your video, I visited the nearby antique dealer and got an old Stanley #4 for less than $20. Three hours later it was as good as new.

Thank you Paul for this video. My grandfather was a woodworker. When he passed, my dad received an old plane that my grandfather had used in his shop. My father is now ailing and has passed this plane to me. It is in bad shape and thanks to this video I now know how to restore it for my son to have. Great job

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. Im a young carpenter with 10 years experience and now seriously getting into hand tools and our culture. I dont have any older mentors so these videos are priceless to the new generation and i! Its our responsibility to practice the trade and keep it going :)

Thank you very much sir! im a beginner and sharpening was the one that always put me down, now i fully restored an old plane and thanks to you now it looks better than new because i put my soul into restoring it and it shaves perfectly. you not only restored a plane but you restored my passion in woodworking! greatest respect from Australia 😊

It is a joy to watch a true master at work, thanks for all the videos.

hello Paul. great programme. i was the carpenter at Bressingham Steam Museum, Norfolk, when i got demobbed from the Royal Engineers. when i had a few minutes spare, i did exactly the same to my planes ( which i still have). best wishes

Tomato can + rolled rag soaked with 3-in-1 oil: genius. Every video from Paul is fabulous, each with so many little great tips like this one.

Thanks so much for this. I've just restored my grandads old Marples no. 4 which has lain unused for at least 20years. It's come up pretty well but the cutting iron still needs some work. From knowing nothing about these planes I'm now confident I could keep the old Marples going for another 50 years.

Fascinating and I've been spellbound since finding you Paul KZfaq needs more guys like yourself, legend! 😊

A very simple, practical way to take a plane from rustiness to truly fine condition. Once again, thank you very much, Mr. Sellers!

Brilliant Mr Sellers, just what I need to restore my Stanley plane. The end result here is superb, no harsh machined edges, just perfect.

This is a great video that shows a step by step restoration by a great master , Paul Sellers. Mr Sellers is a prolific teacher and master craftsman. His videos are some of the best on woodworking and all things related to same. An excellent video, thanks.

Paul, this video is going to be known as THE video to watch when you are restoring your first hand plane. Love the attention to detail!

Paul, I'm a total beginner and found your channel a few weeks ago. I am so happy to be able to embark on this adventure under your guidance. Thank you! ... I got delivery of my first Stanley plane, an old 4 1/2, a few days ago. This weekend I'll be restoring it.

Even with a new plane out of the box, I do a disassembly and do a lot of polishing and sharpening. I've only bought two new ones in my life and have had to work on both. I have a half dozen assorted planes now ranging from a Tru-Value Master Mechanic to a Sargeant Hercules. All of them came from yard sales, auctions and second hand stores. I spent several hours apiece tuning and refurbishing them. Even a cheap plane can be made into a very functional tool with a little work and constant care. Considering how much regular maintenance is needed to keep a hand plane in good condition, the original cost is only a fraction of the value.

Wonderful presentation! I have three+ generations of many planes from my father, grandfather and family! They where all carpenters, cabinet makers and boat builders. I’m going to get them all in shape!

Many thanks for this Paul. I've inherited a cabinet full of old hand tools from my late Grandfather, and I really want to let them go to waste. He taught me how to turn lace bobbins on a lathe he built from scratch when I was a child; now that he's gone I feel a part of him lives on when I use my hands working with wood. I've been scratching my head thinking it was going to just be too hard to restore his rusty set of planes (he lived near the coast and the salty air has gotten to them), but after watching your tutorials on restoration and blade sharpening, I'm much more confident now. I'm now really looking forward to the challenge and doing my Grandfather proud in keeping his tools in the condition they should be. Thanks once again.

"Be happy with nice steel surface you've established and get on with life" that tickled me

Thanks SO much Paul. Have been restoring my 45 yo #4 after 40 years of no use (long gap :)) Some tips there that I really need to take on board, but even more, some sage advice as to what NOT to stress over too.

I have watched this twice now and I have a new love for my old Stanley planes. It is always tempting to splash out and buy an expensive ‘perfect’ plane but using a plane that has faithfully served many woodworkers over the years and doesn’t need retiring just seems right. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Thank you Mr. Sellers. I just restored a Stanley #4 and #5 after watching your video. They were both in about the same shape as the one you just restored. Now they look great and run even better. I love seeing old tools restored to new and usable condition. Most older tools are much better quality than new ones today.

26:02 Good practice, if trimming a bolt like that, is to find a nut that fits it before you start cutting the end of the bolt. Thread the nut part way down the bolt, then make your cut. Now when you remove the nut, it will serve as a makeshift die to clean the bolt threads on its way off the bolt.

Fantastic tutorial. I enjoyed watching every moment. You have a talent for teaching aswell as woodworking. The oiled rag in the tin....what a wonderful little tip! Keep up the inspiring work!

After watching this video a few times I had the confidence to purchase a second hand Stanley Bailey no4 plane. I got it cheap because it was a bit rough, I spent around 2-3 hours then managed to take a transparent slice of a piece of softwood. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to do that.

Thank you for such a full and informative demonstration. I just inherited an old plane from my father that's rusted to death and likely not been used in 20 years or more. I now look forward to getting it back to working order!

I have lost count of how many times I have watched this video, as good as two weeks holiday every time.

This has inspired me to do something I've been meaning to do for three years now and start restoring my Grandfathers tools. He was a joiner all his life and I hope I can do him justice by getting his tools back into shape.

I have seen a number of KZfaq clips on restoration of hand planes. This makes the most sense. No vinegar or rust removing chemicals just good old fashion hand polishing. Thanks Paul for video.

Absolutely incredible video! This is the video P. Woodworking should have made decades ago, and didn't. Good timing also, I just bought a 99% nearly new #3 Stanley that has been in a collectors possession for many years but was for show only. I have a tip for those with less experience than Paul: When adjusting the blade to get it just right, a magic marker line across one side of the flat in the adjusting screw will let you deal with the backlash and come back a nudge more or less with ease.

I was waiting for this video since I got my first plane! I haven't seen one that explained how to adjust the frog since now. Gotta work on it this weekend. Thank you very much.

I put an old soldier, s US built No.5 today, from the parts bin, today. It was rough but it's just marvelous to see an old tool come back to life. Thanks again Paul.

My dad was a joiner throughout his working career and stupidly I wasn't interested in woodworking. What a missed opportunity. Now at 56 years old I find woodworking facinating. I may even have a go myself. Thank you, Paul for these marvelous videos. You show how it's done and how to take care of your tools. You do this in an easy to understand method. You Sir, I take my hat off to. Not only are you a master craftsman you are an excellent teacher too.

What a beautiful plane restoration Paul, I hope you do work for the next 50 years in woodworking! Thank you for your virtuosity!

Thanks for making this hour something worthwhile.

Ironically I found two old rusty planes today and THOUGHT I had restored them. Now watching this, I have to start all over again, because I learned so much of what I’ve done wrong. Thank you

I've now restored 3. 5 1/2, a 4 which was very bad and yet now makes a delightful scrub plane which I continue to be amazed by. Another of Pauls videos. I keep saying thanks Paul while smiling in my shed.

I just did this to a Stanley #4 and there was an additional problem not mentioned in the video. When I put the plane back together, the lateral adjusting lever had to be positioned hard right to get the blade to project evenly across its width. Close inspection showed that the frog was not sitting quite square in the plane, so I filed one of the bearing points a little to get it to sit flat. This solved the problem. The lateral lever is still not quite centred, but I put this down to my novice blade-sharpening attempt that left the blade very slightly out of square. This is no doubt what the lateral adjusting lever is meant for.

Thank you! I bought a cheap "Stanley" plane, prepared it following your instructions, and it works very well. Best, LRP

I have been watching your videos and I have to say that I've learned more from you than anybody. You're a remarkable teacher and I am going to watch all of your videos because I've never learned so much from one person. I'm slowly getting the things I need to start making things and I want to do them by hand. Thank you for all of your help.

Every time I watch this, I learn something new! Viewing 3rd time. You make it look so easy but there is so much to it. I bought a rusty old #4 and am in the process of resurrecting it. Fun. Thank you Mr. Sellers!

I just picked up an old Stanley 4 from a seller on eBay. I can't wait until it arrives so I can restore it using your video as a guide. Thanks for such an in depth look at it.

Hi Paul, thanks for your exciting tutorial, it is inspiring, especially on my Father's very old Nr 4, ex WD plane. I am sure that he would be more than pleased to see it now with it's bright shiny and so efficient new life, sadly, he is no longer with us. Many thanks. Cy O'Hara

How beautiful was watching that hour+ Video. Recently, I inherited some of my father-in-law’s woodworking tools. He fathered nine children (!!), four boys.....I encouraged all of them to take those tools rather than have them go in the estate sale or Goodwill. I was so surprised that there were no takers. While derided by many collectors....his bench plane was a Dunlap. I am about halfway through restoring it......and watching this video......at least I didn’t make “too many” mistakes so far. Thank you, Mr. Sellers.....for so readily passing on your experience and skill sets!

I watched this video once again from start to finish and have to say - looking at the start of the video and what Mr. Sellers ended up with were like night and day. That old plane looks as nice as any of his standard daily users. The tips and tricks of smoothing the edges and rough surfaces is genius and something I have gone back and done on my own planes as well. What a great video this is - saved another beauty from the scrap pile!

10:50 golden words: get on with life...

Thank you sir. Just getting into woodworking and was able to get 4 planes at yard sales. Looking forward to using them.

Years ago, when I had no money to setup a workshop, I stumbled across your videos and purchased some hand tools. A Record No.4 plane, some good chisels and other stuff like the Veritas Mk2 honing guide. But I never really came to use them. Here I am again, 7-8 years later, now 30 years old and married, still not able to purchase big tools and still without the space for a huge workshop. At least I got a one-car garage now, which luckily doesn't fit our VW Passat because it's too small :D and a room in the basement, where I can work now. I reground the Record yesterday and today in the morning, after reading some of your blog posts, I went for the hunt for a small block plane. Good news: I won an auction today for 10£. Bad news: it includes a Stanley 130 block plane AND a Stanley Handiman No. 4, and I gotta pay shipping to Germany :D Other bad news: I still got three auctions running, where I am highest bidder currently. All in the same price range, all for block planes :D I will try to restore the ones I get following your videos, and if I don't find them useful (included are a Stanley 9 1/2, 102 and 110), I will sell them restored. Now I want to make some stuff like a shooting board and a thickness planing jig, since I want to use them for some first Kumiko experiments and maybe some other small woodworking projects. Thanks a lot for your videos and guides, they are really helpful!

In a throw away society it is so refreshing to see quality tools restored.Pleasure to watch a true tradesman at work.

Great info. I love it when someone smart agrees with me. love the simple way you teach us how to do things.......Ross

Paul, you never cease to amaze me...when I think you can't teach me any more, you prove me desperately wrong! Thank you for what you do, friend...

I inherited this exact plane from my grandfather in almost this same condition. This is a lovely and informative video and helped me honor his legacy. It was really interesting opening it up and finding his hand-written notes on the bottom of the blade!

Another great video. Sound keeps coming and going though. Liked.

I love the colour on the tote. What dye did you use in the shellac?

I have a Record #5 and a Stanley #4 both bought for pennies online and both rusted and unloved. I thought I was going to see a lot of acid baths and similar as I've seen in other restorations. Instead I saw a craftsman restoring a craftsman's tool using a craftman's techniques. So glad I watched! Now, back out to the garage to get on with it! A thousand thanks for posting.

Thank you for making these videos. I just discovered them while researching how to sharpen my very first hand plane and now I'm hooked on your channel. I'm a novice who now wishes he started woodworking this way 30 years ago. After being frustrated about not having a budget for the high end woodworking equipment, I've decided to try and go old school. I have a lot to learn, so thank you for making these videos!

Mr. Sellers: My father was a iron and metal craftsman, and he would use molasses to remove heavy rust from vintage iron tools. After which time we would sharpen and restore the hand tools. Have you ever used that process to remove heavy rust? I'm not sure if molasses is a commonly used ingredient in the U.K.? Thank you for the videos and the manner in which you teach. Thank you again and blessings to you and yours.

Too bad I can only give 1 like per video

Second time I have watched this through. I love your information. It is great to hear someone that is not trying to impress everyone with your ability to make a plane look amazing, but focus on making a plane that functions amazing. But, it still looks amazing as well. I am glad you kept it looking as it should. Thanks again for sharing.

Just got my brand new plane and followed all of this along to get it in perfect working condition! Thanks Paul, I just got my first piece of wood square, smooth and straight all by hand today!

I lent a favorite plane (ship builders plane from mid 1700’s) to a ham-fisted friend who pressed too hard, ran the blade backwards and forwards and left it in the yard in the rain for the week with his project....grrr... i graciously took it back, fixed many issues caused by mal-use and mal-treatment and put up a giant sign over my shop door saying “Don’t even THINK of borrowing my tools!” ...I think the hint was taken. When you have over $100,000 cost in tools, you make your living and lifestyle from those tools - you dont leave them in the rain or lend them willy nilly...sorry if that sounds selfish or rude

When my grandparents moved from their home into a retirement home the tools they had were given away and when that was happening i wasn't yet super interested in woodworking so i didn't want the tools at that time. I super regret that now :S

What an absolute delight to see you bring an old neglected rescued tool back to life like that. Thanks for sharing the experience.

I just pulled a no.5 Stanley outta forgotten stash, and was so happy to view this gem of knowledge and instruction✨You tha Man Sir!

Can you do a video sometime to explain the difference between the numbers of theplanes and what they are used for? Bench vs. block, vs bullnose,vs low angle, etc... I would like to start using more hand tools and less power and don't know which ones to buy for the projects I have in mind.

I have heard that one can use a white vinegar soak to remove rust. Do you have an opinion, Mr. Sellers?

I have just followed your instructions, and have rejuvenated my vintage Stanley Acorn smoothing plane, I bought for £3 off a market stall in 1987. It is now the sharpest it has ever been since I have owned it- it even did the noose pull shave perfectly. Thank you for these videos, they are fantastic. Michael Hughes aged 62 1/2 and still learning.

Thanks Paul . I watched this video and went right out to my shop and reconditioned one of my Stanley bench planes . Took me around three hours but now planes beautifully . Thanks again .

Paul, you are so great at the woodworking videos! Thank you so much. I really appreciate this particular video. I can't afford nice Lee Neilson planes, or even those cheep one's at Home Depot, but I can afford a $3 plane at the flea market. Please keep them coming! Especially the videos about what tools you use, and how to not only use them specifically, but also how to restore the less expensive used tools! Thanks for all you do!

Thank you Paul, I was given a Stanley no 4 by a neighbour who found it in a lane, only surface rust so an easy restoration, but no harm in checking out how you tackled the same job and i was impressed by how thorough you were without being fussy, its not a new plane and i dont want it to look like one, but i want it to look cared for.

I got an old used plane for Christmas with the hopes of doing this very type restoration. Thanks for the well-thought-out video, Paul. It's always a pleasure to watch and learn!