and Metal Work

Metal-working has paced rural innovation for several thousand years. The blacksmith of a village was far more than a fitter of horseshoes; the smith made many of the early farm tools, and later maintained the tools made in cities.

The skills of smithing range from drawing, upsetting, and welding iron to shaping and heat-treating steel for long lasting cutting edges. Perhaps blacksmithing is exciting because at its best it incorporates a combination of science, technology, and art. The best smiths are fine sculptors who can work at a production pace.

Our instructors, who each bring years of varied experience and are committed to teaching, include Herb Nehring, Paul Carlson, Dick Reynolds, John Sarge, and others.

There are a growing number of groups who offer help to people working to learn the skills of metal work.

We are especially excited by the willingness of guest Smiths to teach specialized classes at Tillers. Scott Lankton, Bruce Woodward, and James Slining are sharing their artistic skills this year.

Links:

Michigan Artistic Blacksmith Association
Artistic Blacksmith's Association of North Americaa
British Artistic Blacksmith Association

Tillers specializes in hand tool work. Our classes build skills that can produce quality work independent of electric power.
Tillers was created to help international farmers develop their production and communities. Each of the classes offered will enhance your skills for international rural development.
Take a look at our special events calendar.
This team of four oxen helps with the plowing.