I just received a Stanley Bailey #4 from my grandfather. I plan to clean it up and make it useable. The plane has wood handles that appear to be painted black. The paint is chipped quiet a bit and I would like to remove it and refinish the handles. What is the best way to refinish them? There are also several places where the japanning has come off. Is it possible to remove the rust and paint the spots again or will it look bad? What would you recommend? I have already looked at the step by step article w/pics on tuning hand planes and also RJ's 19 steps; I have one question though. Should you be able to use the lateral adjusting lever when the blade is locked down?
Thanks