I would like to turn a plane that is currently very odd in space so that it is lying flat on the floor. Unfortunately, I can't do this with the normal transform orientation because I've already applied the rotation. that's why I've already created a transform orientation from the face. Now all I would have to do is bring the Z axis up so that it is pointing straight up. Does anyone have an idea?
But this is where I can't get any further...
I agree with Omar: often it is better to re-start. You need to suffer, so that you learn to never Apply the Rotation again (unless you really can't avoid it)!
But here's a way to do it:
The trick is to make a new Custom Orientation in Edit Mode and then enable 'Affect Only Origins' and Align to Transform Orientation:
Don't forget to un-check 'Origins' when you've done this.
Then, in Object Mode, you can simply Clear the Rotation with ALT+R.
In the 3d viewer you could also just open the n panel and 0 out the location, and Rotation, but that would be the same as Alt+G and Alt+R. note this only works if you have not applied the location, and Rotation.