Tillers International,

10515 East O P Avenue, Scotts, MI 49088

"I took the basic blacksmithing class. In a word - FANTASTIC! The class had four students and the instructor, John, was able to give everybody individual attention as needed. First we learned the basics of a coal forge so we could tell the difference between coal, coke, and clinkers. Then we learned how to move metal with anvil and hammer. Forge welding was next on the agenda. The result was a continuous ring of forge welded steel. Next we used other techniques to flatten, bend, and twist metal to make some general purpose hooks (for hanging coats, hats, plants, or whatever). That was a full day. The next day, we learned how to anneal and temper steel that had a bit higher carbon content, and we each made 60 degree cold chisels out of rebar. We learned additional hammer techniques, like upsetting to make thicker metal to work with, and we also learned some ball peen hammer skills. Putting this all together, we each made a primitive "spork." After I picked up the knack of moving and shaping metal, I had enough time to make an extra hook and an extra spork before leaving. I have a long way to go, but this class covered all of the basics that I can build upon and practice at home. This was a good opportunity to try a bunch of different types and weights of hammers, and experiment with the different tools and accessories of the trade (like the leg vise, mandrels, bolster blocks, swage block, Hardy hole accessories, and bending jigs). John, the instructor, was an encyclopaedia of knowledge and was happy to answer my many questions during the class. Lunch was provided each day, and we stayed right on the premises which made it very convenient. Every single person we met was terrific; from the staff maintaining the main building to each of the instructors, everyone was great! I can hardly wait to go back for a more advanced class!"

"What an amazing experience! My husband and I brought our camper and spent the weekend at Tillers. He took a blacksmithing class and I learned broom making. Everybody staff, students and instructors, was friendly, helpful and a wealth of knowledge. We will definitely be back."

"Amazing organization! We need more people doing things like this! A practical and deep wealth of knowledge that you won't find anywhere else for learning traditional skills"

"Amazing organization! We need more people doing things like this! A practical and deep wealth of knowledge that you won't find anywhere else for learning traditional skills. The teachers are very patient yet know how to challenge you, excellent for teaching even complete beginners. I took the Oxen Basics class and learned a LOT! Even better, you're also getting into a network of people ready to share their knowledge, tips and experiences, which is very helpful for an almost dying art like driving Oxen. I imagine the other classes here are just as good!"

"I took the beginners blacksmithing class john was the teacher he is really awesome to learn from and the set up for the class is excellent if given the opportunity I will go back for more classes or volunteering"