2022 Class Catalog of Traditional Skills for the US and Abroad
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2022 Class Catalog of Traditional Skills for the US and Abroad
1
“ I recommend that farmers keep
learning.
ESTRELA AUGUSTO ANTONIO
Farmer, Mother of Four “
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
10Parent
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] 498.2700TILLERSINTERNATIONAL.ORG 13
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] 498.2700Blacksmithing
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 15Timber 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] 498.2700Mary 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 17How 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] 498.2700Using 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 19Tillers 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] 498.2700COVID 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 21TILLERS 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] 498.2700Friends 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 23Non-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] 498.2700You can also read
