October 20, 201312 yr Well the restoration of the 606 continues. Since I started, members of my family who had received great grandpas tools have begun giving me more of his planes (up to 6 now that need restoration). Among them was one that no one thinks was his but I am told its at least 60 years old. As you can see, it says "Popular Mechanics". Other than the "Made in USA" there is no other markings. I have searched google and bing as well as yahoo for any information on a Popular Mechanics plane. With exception to a few mentions in various blogs, I cant seem to find any info. Here it is broken down: The iron is razor sharp...as my index finger found out... I'm just looking for a history. I'm wondering if this was some kind of promo or if they actually had a line of wood planes? Anyone know anything? Among the other planes I've received is a Sargent 409 and a Miller Falls 814. the Sargent is in the electrolysis tank at the moment. Thanks Kevin WellsChuckin' Woodwww.chuckinwood.com
October 21, 201312 yr Kevin, it sure seems like a promo plane to me, I did a little searching too and found nothing. It could have been one of those deal, subscribe to Pop Mech for two years and get this hand little plane for free. Cool plane! So, is that rust just falling off that plane in electrolysis! John MorrisThe Patriot Woodworker
October 21, 201312 yr Author I found out some info one this little guy. Turns out PM sold their name to Wal-Mart in the 70's and 80's as a mid range / quality tool. This was the result. So the my family members were off by 10 - 20 years. This was the last Made in USA tools that WalMart sold before Stanley moved production to China. As for the electrolysis, that is working Great! I actually have two tanks running right now. The 606, with exception to the nooks and crannies around the frog, has taken on the nice shine of bare metal. I've been using a dremel with a wire brush bit to get into some of the tight spots. The Sargent is being a little more stubborn, but I found the first sign of shine last night (I was starting to wonder if it was solid rust) . Last week, I brought the brass back with me, to base. Kind of reminded me of all those nights in boot camp sitting on a footlocker polishing my belt buckles. I even met up with an old friend for the job...BRASSO. After a little catching up we had some nice shiny brass to take home Kevin WellsChuckin' Woodwww.chuckinwood.com
October 21, 201312 yr Interesting plane Kevin. I don't think I have run across one of those yet. Should be a nice keeper for sure. John MoodySite Administratorhttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.†Shaker Saying
October 22, 201312 yr At first glance, it almost looks like the one Home Depot sells as a Buck Brothers block plane.  This one looks a lot better than those do...Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.