After a hiatus of a number of years, I am back in the shop making sawdust, and very happy about it! Today a friend and I went flea marketing, just to get out of the house and enjoy some beautiful weather, and I came across a couple of old hand planes that interested me. I also found a Stanley #7 but the seller was a sexist jerk. Anyway, on to the good stuff.
This is the information I have from inspecting the plane:
All wood body, handle and wedge. 16" long, which I believe puts it into the fore plane category(?). Toe is stamped with L & I J White, Buffalo NY, no outline or date. Iron is also stamped with the same, and sharp enough to prompt a warning to the cashier. No striking button.
My questions:
Does this look like a restorable plane? I'd like to use it. I was looking for a jointer, but I believe this is longer than the No. 5 I have, so would be my longest plane.
The sole is not completely flat, there's a slight gap at the mouth. Can this be flattened without damaging it?
The wedge is rather rough-looking, with uneven wear on the top, however the back is still flat and holds the iron in pretty solidly to hand pressure. Should I replace it?
The sides have some splits, near the top. See pictures. Is this significant?
If it's too badly beat up to restore, it will still be a neat decoration, especially for the low price I paid.
Any and all help is appreciated!
Link to gallery of images:
http://imgur.com/a/BCSh2