This section of the book is from the "Household Companion: The Practical Mechanic" book.
The wooden parts of tools, such as the stocks of planes and handles of chisels, are often made to have a nice appearance by French polishing; but this adds nothing to their durability. A much better plan is to let them soak in linseed, oil for a week, and rub with a new cloth for a few minutes every day for a week or two. This produces a beautiful surface, and has a solidifying effect on the wood.
 
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