Hello, I recently acquired a Stanley #1 plane. I am looking for advice: 1) how can I date it, and 2) should I flatten the sole, which currently is rusty, but not deeply pitted, and 3) how much restoration should I do, e.g., use electrolysis to remove rust on the body and blade, repair chips on tote. Thank you for your advice. Tom
1. https://woodandshop.com/identify-stanley-hand-plane-age-type-study/ is quite helpfull usually
2. It depends. If you're going to make it a user, then go for it.
3. Evapo-Rust is my go-to for rust removal, it is safe to use and it does a very good job.
All in all, Stanley #1 is a very collectable hand plane, all things you do for it, will lessen its value. But, if you gonna make it a user for yourself, do whatever you need to make it functional. Thick glass plate is good base to put some 80-120 grit sandpaper on, for flattening of the sole.
If it is just surface rust then I would use Ballistol as a lubricant on some wet&dry - 80-120 as rolsen says. Ballistol disolves surface rust and also lubricates and protects. As for flattening, it does depend on how out of flat it is. If it is way out then it may require a LOT of patience to flatten. You do really want it as flat as possible for best performance.
One of the better hand tool teachers is Paul Sellars. A man with a lot of experience and a great teacher. His plane restoration video is here.
https://paulsellers.com/2016/01/restoring-bench-plane-video-on-youtube/
Surface rust can often be dealt with WD-40 and Scotch-Brite pads.
Good questions, Tom. Paul Sellers from the UK is certainly an excellent source. Another excellent resource person in the US is Ernie Conover. He can be emailed through conoverworkshops.com. I have known Ernie for thirty years and have taken numerous classes with him, including his handplane restoration class. He is an excellent teacher.
The #1 plane is really a very collectable plane rather than a user. Approach any restoration carefully.
Ken