Planes 1 thru 9

I went to a barn sale on Saturday morning. When I pulled up to the barn I noticed a faded sign that said Jim Blanchard Patternmaker on the side.

There were also realtor signs out near the road. So I thought this could be good.

I went in and saw lots of tools but they were mostly mechanics tools. So I went over to this older fellow who was putting wood in the stove. I asked him if he had any planes. He said I have 1 through 9 over there in a box.

I had problems processing this information. I would have had the same reaction if he had said I have gold bars for a dollar apiece. When I regained my wits I asked where is this box. He started walking toward the corner of the shop. Then he stopped and picked up a catalog off the workbench. He opened it and pointed to pictures of collectable die cast trucks and he said see I have 1 through 9 of these trucks.

I explained that I was looking for woodworking planes and I made a motion like I was planning. He said oh I misunderstood. I only have one with a missing iron. It turned out to be a Sargent #3 size that was very rusty but the wood was good.

I bought it for $5.

Joe West

Spring when a middle aged men's hearts turn toward yard sales