He Turns Grain Drills Into Benches And Planters

He Turns Grain Drills Into Benches And Planters DRILLS Drills (42C) 32-5-7 At about 16 in. tall, old grain drill ends are the perfect height for a bench. For the past few years, Jim Smith of Abbotsford, Wis., has been restoring the cast iron ends and making customized benches for his customers. "I understand there could be as many as 1,200 different ends out there," Smith says. He purchased his old grain drills from his father, who was a collector, and from local farmers' junk piles and on eBay. He has about 60 sets on hand for future benches. The former lineman is a perfectionist and takes his time to make quality products. He sandblasts and primes the grain drill ends and has them professionally spray painted with automotive paint. He uses red oak and black walnut wood and sands it to a smooth finish, before applying a finish. He often works with artists who make vinyl decals or paint scenes clients requests. Smith's final job is applying a tough, acrylic sealer. "We have a Green Bay Packer bench, and the grandkids jump all over it, and it still looks good," Smith says. He also makes planters with protective plastic liners. He's made benches with ends from a variety of grain drill models: Deere, International, Massey Harris, Cockshutt, Allis Chalmers, Minneapolis Moline, Oliver, Case and others. The 40-lb., 32-in. benches start at $350 and go up with more detail and for longer benches. Smith will also work with ends and/or wood provided by the customer to make the bench even more meaningful. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jim Smith, 304 S. 4th St., Abbotsford, Wis. 54405 (ph 715 223-3317; smithja9@ verizon.net).

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