My son in law has an old Stanley block plane that needs to be cleaned up,like removing rust.What are some of the things some of you have done successfully.
Thanks,
James

Is that advance auto enamel vastly superior than other brands of enamel ?
also you said paint it on... i was lookin around and i can only find aerosols
does it matter
anyone know of any uk brands
good time to bring it up thanks

If it's not deeply pitted/rusty/crusty, mineral spirits and steel wool followed by medium and fine Sandflex abrasive rubber blocks http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/KSA-9999/Sandflex-Blocks-Kit is what I have done. If it's nasty, I use electrolysis with an auto battery charger, Arm & Hammer Washing (not Baking) Soda solution in a 5 gal. bucket and an old lawnmower blade as the positive electrode.
After the majority of deep rust is gone give it a good scrubbing with a wire wheel on a corded drill then work though the grits up to 400 starting with 120 grit wet/dry sandpaper and soapy water. Rinse and dry with a hair dryer/heat gun. Paint with 3-4 coats of semigloss black Engine Enamel from Advance Auto.

I am would guess that this is a good method. But after buying some used, non-rusted, old Stanley planes for about $25 each off eBay I have to wonder why anyone would want to spend this much time, expense and effort on an old plane. They are readily available everyday. Of course, the joy of bringing something back to useful life is a fulfilling task for most of us.

Ed

I was responding to the OP and for future readers who pick up rusty/crusty usable planes at Yard Sales/Fleamarkets or like me have family heirlooms needing help. Sure they can find usable planes on Ebay. You may end up with a pig in a poke too. Don't forget you will also have to pay for shipping and for some of us, every dime counts. Considering the time you will need to spend on any old plane to tune it, totally stripping one down that needs it is not that involved or expensive.

I would encourage everyone to seek out their local MWTCA chapter meeting http://www.mwtca.org/ and check out the Swap Meet before each meeting. Not only will you beat Ebay prices, you will have a chance to actually hold the tool in your hands, check it out and probably will have a choice of various types of the particular plane, chisel, rule, saw, hammer, whatever you are looking for. You will learn something while you're there and meet others who may have an interest and money to spend in your shop.