2005 - Volume #29, Issue #2, Page #23

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He Restores Horse-Drawn Plows

He Restores Horse-Drawn Plows AG WORLD 29-2-23 David Reid of Sardis, B.C., collects and restores antique, horse-drawn walking plows. He recently sent FARM SHOW photos of some of his prize plows. "I've been a promoter of horse plowing match competitions for 65 years, and have taken part myself in many events," says Reid. "Part of my collection was displayed last August at the Atchelitz Thresherman's show at Chilliwack, B.C. In all I had 19 plows and other equipment in my display." According to Reid, it takes about 35 hours to restore a general purpose plow and about 50 hours to restore a sod plow, including testing and adjustments. To restore the plows, he first disassembles all parts and checks them over for wear and straightness. The parts are cleaned, and he makes new parts when necessary such as landsides, shares, coulters, skimmers and handles. Then all parts are assembled and fitted so they match each other to provide a smooth share-to moldboard surface, as well as a smooth share-to-landside surface. Then he disassembles all parts and applies two coats of paint. After assembly, he applies two more coats of paint. "Over the last 22 years I've partially or completely restored a total of 46 different plows, mainly Massey Harris, Fleury, Cockshutt, Melotte Rollover, Oliver, Wilkenson, McCormick Deering, and a Sellars High Cut," says Reid. "These are mainly Canadian plows and I sell them only if I have a duplicate, and then only to Canadian competition plow people. I also donate them to museums," he notes. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, David Reid, 44850 Luckakuck Way, Sardis, B.C., Canada V2R 1L4 (ph 604 858-8329).