I just bought a Cheap-O (tm) Stanley #45 to refurb as a user. All of the major parts are there, straight and intact but it has a few issue I wanted to ask the Gurus about. First, the tote is in good shape but with a clean break. How do you (can you?) remove a tote from a 45 to glue it?
Also, it seems to be coated with some sort of dried oil (BLO?) mixed with gahk...I've tried mineral spirits but need to apply a really vigorus brushing to even dent the stuff and I really can't get to the stuff deep in the floral pattern...any suggestions? Brake cleaner seems too volatile to really work well.
Now on to electrolytic rust removal (aka:Magic): Will it harm the nickel plating? I've read where it wouldn't as long as the plating was intact and without underlying rust. Second opinions? The nickel is in OK shape on most of the plane and it would be nice to retain it.
Inquiring minds and all....