2022 Class Catalog of Traditional Skills for the US and Abroad
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Why Traditional Skills Still Matter For many communities, historic skills and tools are as relevant now as they were generations ago. Estrela Augusto Antonio understood that the best way to Estrela plans to continue to work hard and attend additional keep her family alive was to keep her cow alive. The cow, a Tillers International trainings to learn more about farming, frail jersey as pale as the dry soil beneath her, looked gaunt animal care, and tool production. Estrela sees continuous and barely produced half a gallon of milk a day. learning as her family’s path away from extreme poverty and towards a brighter future. Estrela’s family lives in Matsinho, Mozambique, in Southeast Africa, where a merciless dry season can be followed by an “My goal is to continue producing silage so that we can make equally vicious typhoon season the following year. The un- enough money from selling milk so that I can finish our house predictable weather often brings brutal challenges to farmers for my children,” said Estrela. needing to feed themselves, their families and, their animals. Tillers International’s training in Estrela kept her cow in a pen developing countries offer farm- and foraged for sparce grass- ers the opportunity to develop es and plants as feed. In a part the skills and knowledge to pro- of the world vulnerable to ex- duce more for themselves, their treme weather, farmers often families, and their communities. struggled to find enough feed These life-changing training ses- for their livestock especially sions are only possible thanks to over the dry season. support from people and organi- zations like you that understand Estrela learned about trainings the importance of having access offered by the United States to the right tools and knowledge. Department of Agriculture’s Food For Progress Program We teach variations of the same implemented by Venture 37 skills at Tillers International USA and carried out by Tillers In- though mostly for personal and ternational. The now defunded professional development and program offered trainings for seldom for stakes as high as farmers on how to make silage, those faced by smallholder fami- a form of fermented, high nu- lies internationally. tritional value feed that can sustain livestock over the dry season. In the spring, Dense The classes in this catalog reflect the core skills we teach and rich vegetation is grown, harvested, chopped, then internationally -- animal care and handling, blacksmithing, placed into airtight storage to begin the fermentation pro- and woodworking (the latter two are used to make appro- cess iin order to have it ready for the dry season. priate-scale farming tools). To some, the classes may seem traditional, sentimental, and timeless, but for millions of Estrela and her family worked hard to implement what she smallholder farmers in poverty stricken communities, pre-in- learned with Tillers International. She set aside space as pas- dustrial skills and tools are as relevant and useful today as ture, grew a variety of grasses, and made silage for her cow. they were in 19th Century America. As the months passed and her cow enjoyed a steady diet of As you browse through the catalog, we invite you to imagine nutritious feed, her cow began to produce more milk. Her how these skills would be helpful to communities with limit- once skinny cow that could barely produce half-a-gallon of ed access to modern resources. We ask you to consider mak- milk per day became a beautiful healthy cow able to pro- ing a donation to Tillers International so that farmers such as duce almost two gallons a day, a jump of nearly 300-per- Estrela can face tomorrow with hope, dignity, and the ability cent. In a country where farmers make as little as $6 USD to feed themselves and their families. a day, increasing a cow’s output by four times makes an in- credible difference. ON THE COVER: Draft Horse Instructor Rick Eshuis and his Percherons, Jenna and Missy TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 3
“ Keep visiting us. What Tillers International Does Tillers International is a non- profit that teaches the skills and animals can make an incredible difference in the lives of these “ HELENA JOSE GUMBO Farmer, Mother of Five Mozambique Training Participant knowledge needed to use animal farming families. SUSTAINABLE power effectively on small-scale FARMING Industrialized countries, such HISTORICAL FARMING farms in developing countries. as the U.S., have hundreds of MODELS Our objective is to collaborate INTL. SMALL-SCALE years of pre-industrial farming with farmers to create tools FARMERS technology and knowledge that and training that take local is still globally invaluable. agricultural conditions, animals, TRADITIONAL APPROPRIATE and resources into account. We work with small-scale SKILLS SCALE TOOLS farmers to adapt the historic Millions of small-scale farmers knowledge and concepts behind live “off the grid” in developing pre-industrial ag tools to their countries because, in a practical needs and provide hands-on CRAFTSMANSHIP sense, there isn’t a grid they can training to put everything into use. Caught between a lack of practice. resources and reliable access to power, many farmers have little The classes offered at our U.S. choice but to farm by hand. site are based on the skills we teach and rely on in our OUR MISSION: To preserve, study, and exchange skills The leap between farming with international work. and tools that empower communities worldwide to hand tools and farming with improve livelihoods and agricultural productivity. Most of our projects in recent parasitic borne diseases among years have been in Africa domesticated livestock - where more than 1.3 billion farming wih animals was nearly live. It’s easy to imagine Africa impossible throughout most of as being one large country, the continent. but it’s, in fact, 54 countries Veterinary science helped that span across an enormous combat the tsetse fly in Africa ecologically diverse landmass. during the 1970s which made Most people reading this it possible for people to keep understand the diversity domesticated animals like found in the ecosystem within dairy cows and oxen healthy the United States. Scale that and strong. diversity to a continent the size of Africa and it becomes Nearly 61-percent of people plain to see how a cookie- in Africa are farmers with cutter approach to working an estimated 33 million with farmers is impossible. smallholder farms. The complexity increases According to The Food and when you take into account Agriculture Organization of the more than 3,000 ethnic the United Nations1, providing groups, 2,100 languages, women with the same and many religions including agricultural resources as men - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, which we do - can reduce the KENNETH FIELD Hinduism, and ethnically number of hungry people by Kingston University London specific traditional religions. THE CARTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL 12-17-percent, or 100 to 150 THE BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY People have been farming with million people worldwide. “The State of Food and Agriculture; animals for thousands of years 1 Women in Agriculture - Closing the gender gap for development”, Food In 2022, we’ll have projects in including in parts of Africa. For and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2011, www.fao.org/3/ Burkina Faso, Mozambique, i2050e/i2050e00.htm a variety of reasons - including and Senegal. 4 [800] 498.2700
Ways that Your Support Matters The classes we teach in the U.S. reflect the skills we teach and rely outside of the classes themselves including the care and feeding of upon in our international work. Currently, tuition covers materials, in- the draft horses and oxen, maintaining the U.S.-based training center, structors, facilities, and other related expenses, but not toward our community outreach, etc., and, most importantly, our life-changing work internationally. work with small-scale farmers in developing countries. We typically rely on support from donors and grants for anything Here are some ways we can put your financial gift to work: International Draft Animal International Tool Building Training Farming Families Community Outreach Health and Training Clinics through schools and events U.S. Based Development of Facilitating the Teaching of Care and Feeding of Our Upkeep of Barns, Tools, Approriate-Scale Farming Traditional Skills in the U.S. Oxen and Draft Horses Fences, and Other Training Tools for International Use Center Related Expenses How to Support the Sharing of Traditional Skills and Knowledge Here and Abroad Donations and other means of financial support play a critical are immensely thankful. Leave a Legacy Volunteering part in getting tools and training A supporting gift can be made Around the World We can always use people on our website, by calling (269) interested in volunteering to small-scale farmers. As you plan your legacy, please 626-0223, or by mail at Tillers their time and/or expertise. consider leaving a gift to Tillers This year, as in past years, International, 10515 E. OP Ave., Whether you enjoy refurbishing International. There are many tuition mainly covers the costs Scotts, MI, 49088. tools, working with animals, ways to make a contribution of providing the classes and landscaping, website design, Businesses or organizations including donations through contribute towards Tillers t-shirt design, CAD, event interested in sponsoring domestic Required Minimum Distributions International USA, our training planning, cleaning, helping us or international projects, future (RMDs), Bequests, Tax-Free site in Scotts, MI. around the office, consultation catalogs, events, or special Charitable IRA Transfers, We’re always looking for suport in projects can contact us via email Charitable Gift Annuities, services within your area of whichever way it can be provided. at Tillers@TillersInternational.org Outright Gifts, and others. Please expertise, or anything else, For example, several businesses consult with your estate planning please let us know so we can helped offset the cost of this In-Kind gifts of goods or services attorney about contributing a gift work with you to help continue year’s class catalog for which we are also appreciated. to Tillers International. the mission here and abroad. Any help is always appreciated. TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 5
“ Effective and innovative animal power force is a multiplier for farming families, local artisans, “ and regional economies. 6 [800] 498.2700
“Tillers International has provided low-stress training of oxen to farmers in over fifteen countries since our founding in 1981. ” ROB BURDICK Executive Director Tillers International TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG /DONATE 7
ROB COLLINS AND JERHA SMITH Farmers have been working with oxen for more than 6,000 years. In many parts of the modern world, oxen are still in heavy use because they’re an inexpensive alternative to tractors and an excellent resource on small farms or in woodlots. This class will teach you Intro to drive oxen using visual, verbal, and tactile cues. Expert instructors introduce you to these amazing animals by concentrating on driving skills, yoking, training, hitching, and alternatives to standard techniques. No previous experience with large animals needed. MARCH 12 - 13 SAT - SUN $305 OXEN BASICS ROB COLLINS AND JEHRA SMITH $495 WITH YOKE IN JUNE $395 WITHOUT YOKE IN AUGUST This comprehensive class lead by the former president of the Midwest Ox Drovers Association, Rob Collins, develops skills in driving, training, and yoking. Learn to select, team, and care for oxen. Use low- stress training to teach calves. Drive teams hitched to various loads, practice field tasks, and June participants can try their hand at making their own small yoke (added charges for yokes more than 6” bow width. Note: The August class does not make a yoke). JUNE 19 - 23 SUN - THUR AUGUST 20 - 22 (NO YOKE) SAT - MON OX TRAINING/DRIVING CLINIC ROB COLLINS AND JEHRA SMITH RICK ESHUIS AND JEHRA SMITH $375 $495 Designed to take your ox training skills to This course is a unique opportunity to put skills in ox and horse handling to work. We a higher level. Experienced teamsters share immerse you in a wide variety of field work—tillage and planting, the first hay cutting, training skills for remote commands, driving and cultivating early weeds. Part of each day is spent learning skills and the rest in field from behind, use of lines, etc. Participants practice. Coaches help refine field skills and draft animal handling. Assignments depend are also encouraged to bring their own on skill and specific activities may be weather dependant. animals for focused training JULY 21 - 24 THUR - SUN OXTOBER 15 - 16 SAT - SUN ADDITIONAL DRAFT ANIMAL RESOURCES Tillers International.org > Resources Draft Animal-Power Network (DAPnet): Draft Animal Power.org All Things Oxen Facebook Group Farming Magazine: Farming Magazine.net Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium: ASMC.Illinois.edu Feed the Future: Feed the Future.gov 8 [800] 498.2700
MICHIGAN | NEW YORK DONN HEWES | RICK ESHUIS | JEHRA SMITH MI: $425 NY: $495 Please note: The April class will be taught at Tillers International’s training site in Scotts, Michigan, and the October class is being offered at Donn Hewes’ Northland Sheep Dairy Farm in Marathon, New York. Draft horse experts share draft horse handling, hitching, and driving skills. Participants begin by building confidence with the gentle giants in the barn, brushing, and harnessing. Then, skills will be honed with simple ground driving of a single horse before progressing to plowing and other fieldwork with a team. More details on our website. MI: APRIL 22 - 24 FRI - SUN $425 NY: OCT. 20 - 23 THUR - SUN $495 Draft Horse Training This rare class will take place at the farm of an Amish ferrier in Centerville, MI, and will cover Draft Horse Basics for students interested Seminar HARLEN YODER in training techniques. Harlan Yoder, who specializes in training working horses, will take you through the steps for transforming an inexperienced colt into a well-behaved workhorse. Topics include working inadequately trained horses and building confidence in horses. SATURDAY, APRIL 30 $150 ADDITIONAL DRAFT ANIMAL RESOURCES (continued) Horse Progress Days.com Percheron Horse Association of America: Percheron Horse.org Midwest Ox Drovers Association: Midwest Ox Drovers.com Rural Heritage Magazine: Rural Heritage.com North American Suffolk Horse Association: SuffolkPunch.com Small Farmer’s Journal: Small Farmers Journal.com TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 9
Blacksmithing I JOHN SARGE $305 This fast-paced introduction Safety, tools, techniques, to blacksmithing moves you materials, terminology, through the fundamentals: and shop set-up will all be basic hammer skills, heat explored. With an anvil treating, forge welding, and for each student, there is identification of “found” plenty of hands-on learning steels. By the end of the and superb coaching in this second day students will popular class. Students will be turned loose to make work almost exclusively interesting forged pieces with coal. This class is an with the support and excellent start for a hobby, collaboration of a blacksmith taking advanced classes, or with 30 years of experience. for career development. 9 - 5 PM A. JAN 15 - 16 SAT-SUN G. JULY 9 - 10 SAT-SUN B. FEB 12 - 13 SAT-SUN *H. AUG 6 - 7 [OFF-GRID] SAT-SUN C. MAR 5 - 6 SAT-SUN I. SEPT 17 - 18 SAT -SUN D. APR 23 - 24 SAT-SUN J. OCT 15 - 16 SAT-SUN E. MAY 21 - 22 SAT-SUN K. NOV 17 - 18 THU-FRI F. JUNE 25 - 26 SAT-SUN L. DEC 3 - 4 SAT-SUN BLACKSMITHING II: SKILL BUILDING forges, create anvils, and ways to work KNIFE MAKING JOHN SARGE with metal when a traditional workshop is TIM CARR $375 nowhere to be found. Great for those into $375 international development, missionary work, Build on skills learned in Blacksmithing I. Instructor Tim Carr shows you the care homesteading, and those that want to be Hands-on projects improve your hammer needed in forging high carbon blades. Refine prepared for anything life throws at them. skills and add to your techniques. Work hammer skills, make corrections with the on two projects, a trivet and tongs, and file, and develop annealing and tempering have plenty of time for individual projects. AUGUST 6 - 7 SAT - SUN techniques. Mount a fine wood handle Coaching speeds your progress. A great way to add beauty and contrast to the steel. to enjoy and refine your smithing skills. Tim is active on the board of the Michigan ADVANCED BLACKSMITHING Artist Blacksmiths’ Association (MABA) JOHN SARGE FEBRUARY 19 - 20 SAT - SUN and has been smithing professionally for AUGUST 27 - 28 SAT - SUN $375 nearly 20 years. This class is recommended The class will primarily focus on two - but not required - before taking advanced different skills: forge brazing and punching knifemaking classes such as Friction Folder BLACKSMITHING FOR WOMEN a hole through metal such as a hammer’s Knife or Knife Making: Hamon Blade. JOHN SARGE WITH GUEST INSTRUCTOR head. Forge brazing is a way to weld pieces PREREQUISITE: Blacksmithing I or equivalent. $305 of metal together with softer metals such as This introduction to blacksmithing covers copper or brass. Punching allows smiths to APRIL 30 - MAY 1 SAT - SUN the same projects as Blacksmithing I except create a hole through metal for functional SEPTEMBER 24 - 25 SAT - SUN in an all female environment. This class is or design reasons. intended to create an atmosphere where students feel free to ask questions and NOVEMBER 19 - 20 SAT - SUN explore tools, materials, and techniques as they begin their journey into the craft. AS RUGGED AND MARCH 19 - 20 SAT - SUN ICONIC AS YOU BLACKSMITHING I: OFF-GRID* JOHN SARGE THE CLASSIC STORMY KROMER CAP WHEN HARD-WORKING FOLKS NEED RUGGED $375 EQUIPMENT TO GET THE JOB DONE. Michigan If there is one blacksmithing skill in which Artist we uniquely excel in it’s blacksmithing in Blacksmith Find Stormy Kromer caps and apparel areas under less than ideal conditions. Association online or at local dealers near you. Join us for this one-of-a-kind blacksmithing 1238 WALL STREET • IRONWOOD, MI • 888-455-2253 class where we explore ways to improvize WWW.STORMYKROMER.COM [800] 498.2700 10
Parent Teen& Blacksmithing JOHN SARGE $595 Teens and their parent (or other adult) together can learn metal forging skills in the blacksmith shop with experienced instructors in this popular class. Students make BBQ tools, chisels, and other projects. The fire and tools used in this class demand respect and develop responsibility. Note-Teen and parent/ adult need to register together for this class. Tuition and materials price reflects registration for the pair. JULY 16 - 17 SAT - SUN OCT 8 - 9 SAT - SUN FRICTION FOLDER KNIFE JOHN SARGE $375 Copper A friction folder relies on the handle pressing against the blade to “lock” it in place. The simplicity of the design alludes to the fact Smithing DOC SCHERTZ $375 This is a beginners class for those who are interested in learning the basic skills to ma- that this is one of the first styles of folding nipulate copper. Students begin by learning to knives commonly used around the world. deburr, clean and anneal copper. Basic This class will focus on creating the blade, hammer control introduces texturing. handle, and hinge required for this unique Design layout and chasing will add knife. The photo above shows roughly what another skill level by introducing to expect by the end of the second day, but chisels and their unlimited students can continue buffing their knives uses. Students will also to their liking at home. Blacksmithing I or learn the tech- similar experience recommended. nique of silver MAY 14 - 15 SAT - SUN soldering and low relief. Finishing up with a patina finish BEGINNING TINSMITHING will highlight the texturing MIC RUNYON and designs. Students $305 will take home four Students will be introduced to the basics class projects. of tinsmithing. The class will start with a simple project that each of us will work AUGUST 13 - 14 through at the same time. After finishing SAT - SUN up with the first project, we will then choose individual projects to work on for the remainder of the class. There will be a TINSMITHING: PATTERN LAYOUT demonstrated and practiced in depth with variety of project choices which the student MIC RUNYON easy to understand steps. Students will be can choose from including mugs, canisters, $305 laying out the flat patterns for various geo- baking pans, mixing bowls, candle holders, metrical shapes, including frustums of cones. Being able to layout patterns is vital to in- etc. Starting with basic layout and pattern We will also be looking at the art of reproduc- creasing your overall tinning skills. Starting making, we will walk through the cutting, ing an object, and how to get full size mea- with the study of construction techniques, we forming, and assembly of the project. surements from a photograph. will be exploring the development and layout MARCH 26 - 27 SAT - SUN of patterns used in the creation of tinware. AUGUST 20 - 21 SAT - SUN Parallel and radial line development will be TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 11
“teamwork There is a real sense of between you and the animals. “ People have been working with draft animals for thousands of years. The partnership with draft horses, oxen, donkeys, and other draft animals, enabled KODY HARRIS Tillers International Intern 2021 versatility, and pleasure of working with draft horses and oxen. The Plain Community (the Amish and people to farm around the world, travel Mennonites) have proven that even across continents, create industries, and American farmers can thrive and find literally establish nations. success working with draft animals regardless of how traditional the Millions of people still work the land with technology being used may appear on hand tools and don’t have the resources the surface. to acquire and maintain machines such as tractors or trucks. Draft animals with Whether you’re interested in food appropriate scale tools allow these security in developing countries, farming, communities to achieve more in a homesteading, history, sustainability, or sustainable and meaningful way. simply love animals, we’d love to have your support. Please consider taking any one of In North America, many people are our classes, telling a friend about us, or rediscovering what was so common only simply showing your support by making a few generations ago: the effectiveness, a donation. /DONATE 12 [800] 498.2700
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Knifemaking: Hamon BEN GRABER $375 Blending styles and techniques from both which looks even more striking against Japanese and Western knifemakers, this class a finely sharpened edge. with cover clay hamon heat-treating, acid etching the blades, hand-sanding and finish of This class will focus on both the func- the blade and handle, and the importance tionality and beauty of the knife. of a good grind. Guest instructor Ben Graber has been Hamon is a visible indication be- making knives since 2017 specializing tween the hard and soft portions in hunting and kitchen blades. In recent of the blade obtained by using years, he’s shipped his handcrafted differential hardening. The end Graber Knives to sportsmen, chefs, and effect is an organic-looking line collectors around the country. separating two tones on the blade JUNE 11 - 12 SAT - SUN Small Foundry & Pattern Making RUSS ALLEN AND PAUL MCGUIRE Learn to cast aluminum in green sand molds. Begin with mixing your own sand and making a small furnace. Fuels, furnaces, and crucibles are discussed, challenges of patterns and molding are explored. Learn different techniques for duplicating objects. Bring a small, simple object for use as a casting pattern. APRIL 9 - 10 SAT - SUN $375 14 [800] 498.2700
Blacksmithing Masterclasses JIM SLINING $450 Jim Slining has been a student of historic work processes his entire life. When 12 or 13, this interest was manifested through a furnished scale model of a 1700’s era English watchmaker’s shop, which he built as a school project. Later, this subject became the focus of a career making accurate 17th-19th century iron reproductions and an avocation using draft horse power in forest and field. Jim’s interest in relearning the historic approaches required for optimal “skill-intensive” tool performance (paradigms which developed over thousands of years though largely lost in the past hundred) are the focus and common thread running through all of his classes. For a complete description of each class, please visit our website or call our office. COOPERING BUCKETS / PIGGINS JOHN DAVENPORT AND DAVE KRAMER $375 The cooper was essential to packaging early fluid products. Learn to make your own small bucket or piggin with hand tools only. Among other things, students will shape bucket staves on the shaving horse with draw knives. They will also use a croze, inshave, hollowing knife, FORGE WELDING, BRAZING floor jointer, and hoop driver to complete the AND HOT RIVETING project. APRIL 6 - 8 WED - FRI APRIL 2 - 3 SAT - SUN MAKING A BETTY LAMP AUGUST 27 - 28 SAT - SUN OCT 20 - 22 THUR - SAT IDENTIFYING WOOD FOR Handmade PROFESSIONALS AND ENTHUSIASTS TOM NEHIL Brooms $150 This class targets woodworking professionals and serious amateurs wanting to learn how to identify wood no matter the sample size, be it a board, a log, antique chair, or a splinter. Learning to identify wood is an indispensable Wilder Creek skill whether you are trying to sort through a /DONATE WO R K S H O P stack of mixed timber to attempting to evaluate MARSHALL, MI the strength of an existing timber building. wilder creek workshop @ gmail.com MAY 7 SATURDAY (616) 318-9360 TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 15
Timber Framing & Raising CHRIS NEWMAN AND TOM NEHIL $850 This class is widely considered one of the best values for learning timber framing in North America as we’re more interested in keeping this skill alive rather than profiting from students. Participants can expect to begin hands-on learning within a few hours of the first day of class. An engineer will discuss design elements and experienced framers guide you through layout, boring and chiseling mortises, forming tenons, cutting wind braces, assembling bents and more. Please enroll at least a month in advance to give the Amish sawmill enough time to prep materials. MAY 9 - 14 MON - SAT SEPT 19 - 24 MON - SAT INTRO TO HAND TOOLS BASIC JOINERY a razor-sharp edge. The focus of this class DAVE KRAMER AND ROB BURDICK DAVE KRAMER will be on sharpening wood chisels and hand $150 $150 plane irons. We will also briefly cover filing and setting teeth on a hand saw. Bring a dull In this day and age, so many people are Accurate joinery gives strength and beauty to tool with you to work on. rarely taught how to use basic hand tools wood projects. Learn what type of joint to use even though most of these tools have been for different situations. You will have a chance MARCH 8 TUESDAY 6 PM - 9 PM around for hundreds of years. This is Part One to practice laying out and cutting by hand NOVEMBER 8 TUESDAY 6 PM - 9 PM of a series of fundamental classes for those a variety of wood joints including: through wanting to return to basics and be able to work dovetails, dados, and mortise and tenon joints. and create with your hands. The skills covered This last class in the wood fundamental series SQUARING ROUGH LUMBER in this class will get you started creating your will elevate your skills to the next level. Taking WITH HAND TOOLS own small wood projects. This class will cover the previous wood fundamentals classes or DAVE KRAMER fundamentals such as: their equivalent, is HIGHLY recommended. $75 • Identifying chisel types and best uses MARCH 16 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM Squaring lumber to size is the first step in most • Identifying saw types and best uses MAY 25 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM woodworking projects. Learn how to use a • Identifying hand plane sizes / styles NOVEMBER 15 & 17 TUES & THUR 6 PM - 9 PM scrub plane, winding sticks, bench plane, try • Hammers and mallets square, marking gage, block plane, and shooting • Measuring and marking / basic layout tools board to make a smooth and perfect rectangle • Vices and clamping methods from a rough sawn, warped piece of lumber. TOOL SHARPENING MARCH 1 & 3 TUES & THUR 6 PM - 9 PM DAVE KRAMER AND ROB BURDICK MARCH 10 THURSDAY 6 PM - 9 PM MAY 18 WEDNESDAY 9 AM - 5 PM $75 NOVEMBER 10 THURSDAY 6 PM - 9 PM NOVEMBER 2 WEDNESDAY 9 AM - 5 PM Working with dull tools is dangerous and inefficient. Learn how to grind a bevel to the correct angle, and use a honing guide to get 16 [800] 498.2700
Mary Rose Tankard Stone JOHN DAVENPORT $375 Masonry BLAIR BATES TOM NEHIL $425 Instructors will take you through the history and theory of stone construction, making of mortar, and shaping of fieldstone into building This small coopering project is a stone. Presentations will provide insight straight staved small container, with into geology and the characteristics of a twist, mainly the handle, and cover. different stone types, the mechanics This style of tankard is based on of splitting and dressing stone, and those found on The Mary Rose, a the evolution of mortar systems from warship in King Henry VIII’s navy ancient to modern. You will then have that was sunk in 1545. Its wreck was opportunities to practice selecting, rediscovered off the coast of the Isle splitting, shaping and building with raw of Wight in 1971. Coopers have been materials quarried locally. using its distinct profile as inspiration ever since. SEPTEMBER 15 - 17 THUR - SAT OCTOBER 1 - 2 SAT - SUN COOPERING TOOLS: FLOOR JOINER, HOOP DRIVER & BANDS, AND A FROE JOHN DAVENPORT AND DAVE KRAMER $375 Many of the specialty tools of the cooper are hard to find, new or used. Learn to make your own using basic blacksmithing and machining skills. This class has substantial /CLASSES value and expands the skills of a cooper into the realm of tool-making. nsectetur vitae utrum blandit MARCH 12 - 13 SAT - SUN BENCH HOOKS, MITER BOXES, AND SHOOTING BOARDS BUILDINGRENOVATION LLC.COM DAVE KRAMER $150 We Teach Historic We Do Shooting boards and bench hooks (pictured) offer woodworkers Tuckpointing & Repointing Aerial Drone Inspection quick and easy ways to hold a project in place while sawing and Brick Masonry Aerial Drone Photography/ planing. Miter boxes hold hand saw blades to make accurate cuts Stone Masonry Video at set degrees of 90 and 45. In this day long class, you will construct Plaster / Stucco and learn how to use your own bench hook, miter box, and shooting board. (269) 680-9615 APRIL 13 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM WEST MICHIGAN Blair E. Bates, C.T., President TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 17
How to Make a Rocking DAVE KRAMER $450 Chair Students will learn to make a Mission-style rocking chair. The class will focus on learning mortise and tenon joinery, steam bending and laminate bending, and more. Please note, students will be working in groups to construct a chair but will not be creating individual chairs to take home. The class is focused on building skills for chair construction. Details on our website. WHEELWRIGHTING DAVE KRAMER AND JOHN SARGE $375 Learn to construct wooden wheels for wagons. See how small hubs are turned and mortised. Practice shaving spokes. Felloes are steam bent. Lend your hand as the team heat shrinks steel tires onto wheels in a cloud of steam. Wheel wrighting is a fascinating combination of early precision wood and metal working. This is the only class like this in North America. Discount available for members of the Association for Living History , Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM). ALHFAM members should contact us for discounted rate. G JUNE 4 - 5 SAT - SUN WOODEN BOX WITH HINGED LID WINDSOR CHAIR MAKING MAKE A SHAVING HORSE AND DOVETAILED CORNERS JIM CRAMMOND JOHN SARGE DAVE KRAMER AND ROB BURDICK $650 $305 $375 Students will transform literal logs into A shaving horse is an invaluable aid when Build a wooden box for keeping your tools, an iconic chair in the world of traditional using tools such as a draw knife. Working with memories, gadgets, or anything you treasure, American furniture. Versions of the Windsor a shaving horse allows you to “clamp” a piece safe and organized. Chair can be found in museums, living history of wood in place while you work on it then sites, homes around the world, and has served quickly move it as needed. It’s a surprisngly This two-day class will focus on laying out and as the inspiration for countless chair designs helpful tool! Photos on our website. hand cutting dovetails for the box and apron that followed it. corners, gluing and assembling the box and DECEMBER 10 - 11 SAT - SUN apron, and fitting the lid. In this five day class, students will fabricate parts and assemble them for the construction MAKE A BOW SAW Commercially purchased hinges will be of a Windsor bowback chair. DAVE KRAMER provided, but you will need to purchase $150 your own handles. We will not be The topics covered will include riving a applying any finish during the class as log, sharpening, and using a drawknife and Make a bow saw that can be used to cut you can enjoy doing this final touch at spokeshave, bending wood, edge jointing, curves and make ripping and crosscutting home where the finish can dry properly. carving a seat, round mortise and tenon faster. A variety of sizes and blade options will joinery, spindle turning on a lathe, chair be available to choose from. Cut and shape Additional details, along with photographs of assembly, and finishing with milk paint. parts on the band saw, then mortise and past versions of the box, can be found on our tenon the cross member and turn handles on website. SEPTEMBER 13 - 17 TUE - SAT the lathe. JULY 29 - 30 THUR - FRI JUNE 15 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM 18 [800] 498.2700
Using a Wood Herb Walk & Medicine Making Lathe DAVE KRAMER AND TOM HURST $150 BRENNA PIXLEY $75 Herbs are a traditional source of nutrition and medicine. Join us for an herb walk to learn to This class introduces you to a identify and responsibly lathe, one of the most useful forage native seasonal tools in woodworking. Wood plants with an emphasis lathes allow you to make on those that foster handles, legs for pieces of immunity and vitality, furniture, rolling pins, can- followed by a workshop dlestick holders, and so much on preparing herbs for more. Join us to learn the use in teas, tinctures, basics of the Wood Lathe and infusions, and salves. how it can work for you. AUGUST 6, SAT APRIL 5 & 7 TUE - THUR 6 PM - 9 PM 9 AM - 12 PM SEPTEMBER 7 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM OR 1 PM - 4 PM Wooden Plane Making Rabbet Plane & Coffin or Jack Plane DAVE KRAMER AND ROB BURDICK $375 WOODEN RAKES Shaping and finishing a project with a ROB COLLINS plane you crafted yourself is a rewarding $150 experience. In this class, every student will make two planes. Each student will make a This is a basic woodworking class. rabbeting plane (a tool used to cut a notch Students will start with a pair of — a rabbet — along the edge or a board) blanks, cut to size. They will first split and then choose between a coffin profile the handle blank and rivet the handle smoothing plane or a jack plane with a to make a split end, then drill the handle. Learn how to shape the wooden head for tines and cut a joint to hold bodies for the planes and then harden and it all together. Once assembled, they’d temper your own cutting irons to fit your shape the handle on a shaving horse planes. You will also be taught how to set using a spokeshave. Each student and adjust the blade in a wooden plane should complete a rake. with the blade secured by a wedge. JULY 20 WEDNESDAY 9 - 5 PM OCTOBER 27 - 28 THUR - FRI TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 19
Tillers International USA is located at 10515 E. OP Ave. Scotts, MI 49088. Most classes meet at the Stone House on the first day unless otherwise noted. OUR SITE Tillers International USA, is located on a 200+ Students planning to take the October, 2022, Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended acre farm in Scotts, MI. We have several Draft Horse Basics in New England: Due to for most classes. Steel-toed boots and other timber-framed structures onsite including the popularity of fall foliage tourism, Students safety shoes are not required, but you’re picturesque barns, two main workshops, and should reserve a place to stay ASAP. The Three welcome to wear them. Draft animal classes a beautiful stone-house where students may Bear Inn (ThreeBearInnMarathonNY.com) is include field work so please bring appropriate stay overnight at additional charge. the nearest hotel to the class site. footwear such as muck boots. Brimmed hats, sun screen, and general sun protection WHERE TO STAY SAFETY & WHAT TO WEAR is recommended. Rain gear should also be We offer neo-rustic bedrooms with access Most of the classes we offer come with brought as most classes are “rain or shine”. to a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, inherent dangers especially when safety a library, and more. Most bedrooms have or other instructions are disregarded. Our We do have some Personal Protective their own private bathrooms. The house’s classes often involve working by an open fire, Equipment (PPE) available on site, but stone walls help keep the rooms cool through handling sharp or heavy tools, working with encourage you to bring your own protective the early part of summer and a wood-fired powerful draft animals, etc. While all efforts eyewear, ear plugs, and work gloves. Not all furnance keeps rooms toasty in the fall and will be given to student safety, an assumption classes require PPE. winter. The house includes rural Wi-Fi. Rates of risk is still involved. for the rooms start at $75 per night. FOOD The specifics of what to wear may vary All day-long classes include lunch from Scotts Students are welcomed to camp on-site by class, but as a general rule we suggest Corner Cafe in Scotts, MI. Please let us know if for only $10 per night or $15 per night with dressing in layers as weather in Michigan is you have any dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten- power (water or septic hook-ups for RVs are often unpredictable. For our blacksmithing free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, allergies, not available). On-site camping comes with classes, we recommend avoiding synthetic etc.) People staying overnight are welcomed access to bathrooms and a shower in The fabrics such as nylon or polyester which melt to use our kitchen to prepare their own food. Stone House. and adhere to skin when they’re burning. The nearest grocery store is in Galesburg, MI, While all fabrics are flammable, we suggest and is six miles away (ten minutes) from our We are located minutes away from Airbnbs natural fabrics. site. There are many restaurants to choose and hotels in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. from in the surrounding areas. 20 [800] 498.2700
COVID POLICY Hundreds of people come to Tillers Any funds forfeited to Tillers International authorities and support you and them in International USA throughout the year and because of cancellation or failure to attend any resulting investigations. their safety is our utmost concern. We’re class will be treated as a donation and used asking that people respect other students, to further the work done by the organization. Students acting out inappropriately may be volunteers, and staff, by doing your part asked to leave without refund. in creating a safe environment including Tillers International reserves the right to cancel extending the courtesy of wearing a mask classes for any reason. In the unfortunate AGE REQUIREMENTS when indoors. We’re not requiring proof event that Tillers International cancels a class, Students must be at least 18-years-old at the of vaccination, but rather are relying on all paid tuition will be refunded in full. time of the class. There are a few exceptions your sense of honor to respect the health such as our Parent & Teen Blacksmithing and well-being of others enough to wear a PETS class. We can make additional exceptions mask indoors. Students are not allowed to bring pets such on a case-by-case basis after speaking to as dogs and cats to Tillers International the prospective student’s or legal guardian. Many of our classes take place outdoors or while taking a class. Exceptions include in large, well-ventilated buildings which will draft animals that might be used in a class. INTERNSHIPS have open doors and windows as weather If you have a service animal, please let us Each year Tillers International invites allows. During colder months, when doors know by calling (269) 626-0223. internship applicants who are interested and windows are closed, we ask people to in international development and/or please be considerate and wear a mask. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL farming with draft animals. Most intern Impaired students pose a danger to compensation is the opportunity to learn CANCELLATIONS themselves, other students, and our rare skills. For the duration of three to nine Most of our classes require students to make instructors. Illegal drugs are not allowed at months, interns work on the farm and in arrangements at home and/or work months Tillers International USA nor is the use of our shops. Their work is focused on hands- in advance meaning it’s difficult for us to fill a alcohol or recreational cannabis during a on learning in farming, blacksmithing, suddenly available opening – regardless of how class. Tillers International reserves the right woodworking, tool design & innovation, popular the class may be – at the last minute. to eject a student from our property without and international development. Many of refund if that student fails to comply with our interns have gone on to work overseas Cancellations more than 21 days before our policy on drugs and alcohol. or on small farms in North America. the first day of class will result in a $50 For more information on our internships, administration fee. Due to the cost of SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND OTHER please visit our website. materials and preparation required by our INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Tillers International is a fun place to hang organization and instructors, cancellation DISCOUNTS by the student less than 21 days before the out and enjoy the company of other people We offer discounts during sales on select class start date will result in the full forfeiture who are into learning new skills. That classes throughout the year. However, we of tuition. The cancellation policy extends to said, Tillers International will not tolerate will be offering a few permanent discounts: 30 days before the first day of class on select sexual harassment of any kind including from our own instructors and staff. If you 10% Senior Discount (65+) courses such as Timber Framing, Draft Horse experience any sexual harassment while 10% Veterans Discount Basics, and Windsor Chair Making. at Tillers International – whether it’s from 10% Member Discount Failure to attend the class will result in the full a student or member of our staff - please Memberships are $100 for a year. forfeiture of tuition. contact our executive director immediately. To use a discount, please call (269) 626- We will work closely with neighboring legal 0223 to receive a discount code. SPONSORSHIPS We’d like to thank the businesses and organizations that helped sponsor the printing and distribution of our 2022 class catalog. If your business or organization would like to help sponsor future catalogs, events, our farm animals, workshops, or our international work, please email us at tillers@ tillersinternational.org for more information. TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 21
TILLERS INTERNATIONAL School of Practical Skills, USA TillersInternational.org/Classes +1 (800) 498-2700 January Blacksmithing I Draft Horse Basics: Michigan Blacksmithing I Knife Making 15-16 9 - 5 p.m. $305 22-24 9 - 5 p.m. $425 9-10 9 - 5 p.m. $305 24-25 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Blacksmithing I Parent and Teen Blacksmithing February 23-24 9 - 5 p.m. $305 16-17 9 - 5 p.m. $595 October Draft Horse Training Seminar Wooden Rakes Blacksmithing I Coopering Tankard 30 9 - 5 p.m. $150 20 9 - 5 p.m. $150 12-13 9 - 5 p.m. $305 1-2 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Blacksmithing II Knife Making Farming with Oxen & Horses Parent and Teen Blacksmithing 19-20 9 - 5 p.m. $375 April 30-May 1 9 - 5 p.m. $375 21-24 9 - 5 p.m. $495 8-9 9 - 5 p.m. $595 Plow Day 2022: Public Welcomed Dove Tail Tool Box Blacksmithing I 30 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. $5 29-30 9 - 5 p.m. $375 March 15-16 9 - 5 p.m. $305 Intro to Hand Tools Ox Training/Driving Clinic 1&3 6 p.m. - 9 p.m $150 May August 15-16 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Blacksmithing I Identifying Wood for Advanced Herb Walk & Medicine Making Blacksmithing: Betty Lamp 5-6 9 - 5 p.m. $305 Woodworkers & Professionals 6 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. $75 20-22 9 - 5 p.m. $450 Tool Sharpening 7 9 - 5 p.m. $150 6 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. $75 Draft Horse Basics: New England Timber Framing & Raising Blacksmithing I: Off-Grid (This class is in Marathon, New York) 8 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. $75 9-14 9 - 5 p.m. $850 6-7 9 - 5 p.m. $375 20-23 9 - 5 p.m. $495 Squaring Rough Lumber Friction Folder Knife Appalachian Brooms Wooden Plane Making: Rabbet with Hand Tools 14-15 9 - 5 p.m. $375 13-14 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Plane and Coffin or Jack Plane 10 6 p.m. - 9 p.m $75 Intro to Hand Tools Basic Coppersmithing 27-28 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Coopering Tools 18 9 - 5 p.m $150 13-14 9 - 5 p.m. $375 12-13 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Blacksmithing I Oxen Basics November Ox Driving Intro 21-22 9 - 5 p.m. $305 20-22 9 - 5 p.m. $395 12-13 9 - 5 p.m. $305 Intro to Hand Tools Basic Joinery Tinsmithing: Pattern Layout Basic Joinery 2 9 - 5 p.m. $150 25 9 - 5 p.m. $150 20-21 9 - 5 p.m. $305 16 9 - 5 p.m $150 Tool Sharpening Blacksmithing II Blacksmithing for Women 8 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. $75 19-20 9 - 5 p.m. $305 June 27-28 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Squaring Rough Lumber Coopering Buckets/Piggins Beginning Tinsmithing Wheelwrighting with Hand Tools 27-28 9 - 5 p.m. $375 26-27 9 - 5 p.m. $305 4-5 9 - 5 p.m. $375 10 6 p.m. - 9 p.m $75 Knife Making with Ben Graber Basic Joinery April 11-12 9 - 5 p.m. $375 September 15 & 17 6 p.m. - 9 p.m $150 Making a Bow Saw Wood Lathe Turning Blacksmithing I Coopering Buckets/Piggins 15 9 - 5 p.m. $150 7 9 - 5 p.m. $150 17-18 9 - 5 p.m. $305 2-3 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Oxen Basics with Yoke Making How to Make a Rocking Chair Advanced Blacksmithing Wood Lathe Turning 5&7 6 - 9 p.m. $150 19-23 9 - 5 p.m. $495 9-11 9 - 5 p.m. $450 with John Sarge Midwest Ox Drovers Association Windsor Chairs 19-20 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Forge Welding, Brazing Gathering at Tillers International 13-17 9 - 5 p.m. $650 and Hot Riveting 24-26 9 - 5 p.m. Free Stone Masonry December 6-8 9 - 5 p.m $450 Blacksmithing I 15-17 9 - 5 p.m. $425 Small Foundry Work Blacksmithing I 25-26 9 - 5 p.m. $305 Blacksmithing I & Pattern Making 3-4 9 - 5 p.m. $305 17-18 9 - 5 p.m. $305 9-10 9 - 5 p.m. $375 Make a Shaving Horse Timber Framing & Raising Bench Hooks, Miter Boxes, and July 19-24 9 - 5 p.m. $850 10-11 9 - 5 p.m. $305 Shooting Boards Horse Progress Days.com 13 9 - 5 p.m $150 1-2 Montgomery, IN /CLASSES /DONATE /STORE 22 [800] 498.2700
Friends Caring for Your Friends Our team is committed to educating our clients in how to keep your pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. We stay on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remember that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care. Countryside A N I M A L H O S P I TA L (419) 882-7688 Sylvania, OH COUNTRYSIDE-AH.com TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 23
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID 10515 East OP Ave. Permit No. 112 Scotts, MI USA Kalamazoo, MI 49088 “ Food is the moral right “ of all who are born into this world. NORMAN BORLAUG Nobel Peace Prize Winning Agronomist Tillers International staff testing a prototype of a draft-animal drawn planter during an exceptionally dry spring in Michigan. The planter was created in collaboration with farmers in Northern Haiti who will be making the final tools themselves. Skills in farming with draft animals, woodworking, blacksmithing, and creative problem solving - skills we teach in the U.S. and internationally - came together to make this tool possible. For some, these skills promote personal or professional development, but for others, in a different context, these same skills can lead to life-changing improvements. Your support helps us bring tools, abilities, and empowerment to these communities. Please consider making a donation, taking a class, becoming a sponsor, or telling a friend about what we do. 24 [800] 498.2700
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