Rosewood handle repair: Stanley Plane

I picked up an old Stanley #4 on Craigslist for 10 bucks (someone's grandpa's old plane). It has plenty of rust, but I think when it's cleaned up it will be a very nice replacement for the one that fell off my bench and broke. The rosewood handle is cracked clean through 1/2 inch from the base. What's the best method for repair? My first thought is Gorilla Glue because of course the bond need to be super tough for the torque that will be put on it. I could use a handle from another plane, or buy a used one, or make one. But I'd like to keep it as original as possible for now. (I understand that these old planes have often already switched out parts a few times). Any success in mending rosewood handles? Thanks.

If, when you put the two pieces together, there's just a hairline crack between them, I'd be inclined to use a cyanoacrylate adhesive. There are various formulations for woodworking, of various viscosities. Rockler

Tom

"tdacon" wrote in news:lg5q85$oqj$1@dont- email.me:

I disagree. I'd use epoxy instead.

Cyanoacrylate glues have poor shear strength, and I suspect that the bond won't survive long in service. Using CA glue will *also* quite effectively seal the two surfaces, making it darn near impossible to effect a repair with any other type of adhesive once the CA glue joint comes apart.

Gorilla glues is the weakest of all glues.

I had the same problem, I used epoxy to glue my handle back together. Put a straw in the hole to protect gluing the rod to the handle. take the frog off so you have clear working room. glue the handle together, wrap with some saran wrap. tighten the clamp up a little, clamp if possible, if not use a bicycle tube to wrap around the handle to keep it from getting out of line. then tighten the nut a little more. Sand when done. refinish with shellac.

Agreed. CA is too brittle.

ndpa's old plane). It has plenty of rust, but I think when it's cleaned up it will be a very nice replacement for the one that fell off my bench and b roke. The rosewood handle is cracked clean through 1/2 inch from the base. What's the best method for repair? My first thought is Gorilla Glue because of course the bond need to be super tough for the torque that will be put on it. I could use a handle from another plane, or buy a used one, or make one. But I'd like to keep it as original as possible for now. (I understand that these old planes have often already switched out parts a few times). Any success in mending rosewood handles? Thanks.

Thanks everyone. I'll follow these instructions exactly. Much appreciated.

Mike

Stanley #4's are so common they can often be bought at garage sales for under $10. If I remember correctly the handles of a #3 and #4 are interchangeable. I'd keep my eye out for a cheap plane with an intact handle and replace it.

I agree, but it's a sweetheart plane and has a little historical value, so I'd like to keep it intact. The previous owner used the cutter almost to the adjusting hole (!), so there's not a lot of life left there. It should clean up pretty well though.