You can always learn something new

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 22, 2010

I have found since I opened my museum that people collect just about everything. And, I do mean everything. In the museum, I have an assortment of different items, some dating back thousands of years. I recently met a collector of planes, the ones that are used to smooth down wood.

Mr. Curtis Taylor is an expert on wooden planes and is also a volunteer at the Destrehan Plantation. He puts on demonstrations using planes and old tools. He recently visited my museum and viewed my collection of planes and gave me a history lesson on planes. It was very informative, and I would like to pass on some of the history of planes to you, the loyal readers.

Some experts on planes believe that the Hebrews first made planes by putting a stone chisel through a wooden block. Other experts believe that the Egyptians first discovered planes. Whoever came up with the idea, it happened a long, long time ago.

Most planes are made from Beachwood, and the knobs and handles are made from Rosewood. The average plane-making factory employed about 15 people, and they could produce about 20 planes per day. Most plane-making factories went into business starting about 1800.

Planes were used to smooth down wood and to make molding. After planing the wood, sandpaper was used to make the surface extra smooth. You might be asking where they got sandpaper a thousand years ago. Well, they used the hide of a shark. If you ever get a chance to touch or feel the hide of a shark, you will understand how this is possible.

There are three different styles of planes: metal planes, block planes and molding planes. I believe the two most popular plane makers were Stanley and Bailey. Stanley made wooden planes and metal planes. I have a metal plane that had Stanley and Bailey parts on it. At first, I thought that someone had just mixed up the parts and put it together. Later, I found out that Stanley bought out the Bailey Plane Company in 1868. Stanley then just used the Bailey parts already made until they ran out. So if you have a plane with both names, it’s probably from about 1868.

Now, let’s take a look at your plane. If you look at your plane carefully, you will find a number on it, for example, No.12 or No.4 and so forth. This number can be used as a guide to date the plane and also determine its value.

The next style plane, the block plane, looks like a block of wood with a sharp blade through the middle and sometimes a handle on the back. You may also see what appears to be a peg in front that has been cut off. This was a peg that was inserted into the plane and could be hit with a hammer to help loosen the iron blade so that it could be taken out.

The last style of plane was the molding plane, and it was very narrow and used to make molding or for cabinet work. If you look very close at the end of the plane, you will usually find a name located there. Here are just a few examples because there were hundreds of companies making planes.

• Auburn Tool Company – New York, 1864

• Ohio Tool Company – Columbus, Ohio, 1851

• G. Axe – Buffalo, N.Y., 1855

• Sargent & Company – New York, 1858

One of the many planes that I have is a small block plane, and the blade is not on an angle like the other planes. This blade is almost straight up and down. Mr. Taylor said this plane was used to smooth wood surfaces and is dated about 1820. You can find Mr. Taylor at the Destrehan Plantation working as a volunteer on a regular basis. Stop by the plantation and visit him, and he can also give you a history lesson on planes and old tools. I know that you will find it quite interesting and very informative.

The Louisiana Treasures Museum has almost 100 different planes and carpenter’s tools along with the carpenter’s tool chest that is a sight to see. The tool box dates back to the 1800s and has over 50 planes alone. Stop by and take a look back in history. I know you won’t be disappointed. I can also help you date your plane if you need help.

Louisiana Treasure Museum is located on Highway 22, west of Ponchatoula. Call 225-294-8352 for more information or to schedule a visit or group tour.

Wayne Norwood is a lieutenant with the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Department and owner and operator of the Louisiana Treasures Museum.