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September 2023 by Laura L.
I am so impressed with the work being done at Tillers International! It's amazing to learn about best practices being introduced all over the world by caring people such as the wonderful staff at Tillers. They are all well informed, intelligent and they make a huge difference in the lives of others. Keep up the good work! Laurie LeClear
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August 2023 by Jackie DiCenso
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.
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August 2023 by Stormy
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!
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April 2023 by James Hodges
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
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March 2023 by Hauptmann6
Great classes and setup. Will return again!
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September 2022 by Janice Held
Traditional skills, in the modern world, to cherish and learn!
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July 2022 by Rebecca W.
My boyfriend attended a draft horse class here last year and really enjoyed the experience. He wanted to show me the place so we attended plow days this spring. What a cool place tucked away in the country. They had so many different horses and showed multiple uses for the horses and the machines they work with. I liked how they had the herb tour, blacksmith, broom maker and other people showing their craftsmanships at this too. I recommend checking out a class here or going when they have an event like this open to the public. It's a step back in time and you can learn and see how things were done in the old days.
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October 2021 by Kirk Mosher (SpiralKnight)
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
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August 2021 by Heather Kuhnau
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!
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March 2021 by Kirk Mosher
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
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September 2020 by louis novak
I am learning to cooper here
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August 2020 by Adrian Pavelescu
So far Tillers has been a phenomenal find. My friend recommended the Blacksmithing I & II and both classes are fantastic. Totally awesome and recommend!
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March 2020 by Ann-Marie Haas Niec
Had a wonderful experience here. Blacksmithing class with great, patient instructor. Facilities were good. Will be back with out question!
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December 2019 by Tracy Allen
They are Not teaching the correct way of fitting yokes and bows to the steers/oxen, very upsetting. This can cause injury to the animals if not fitted correctly. You wouldn’t put a workhorse harness on a pony so why would you put a to big of a yoke on a small ox/steer ??
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October 2019 by Kenneth Harvey
great place to learn about Agriculture and it's place in our history and daily lives.
