is building a new Smithy on their fantastic new site outside of Kalamazoo, Michigan. |
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Tillers does timber framing classes that last a week for those
who really want to learn the craft. Once the weekend rolls around, Tillers
opens participation up for volunteers who assist in the assembling and raising
of the project that the class members have been making during the week.
The project is sometimes a barn or other outbuilding, or like last year
the resulting structure would be a vacation lake house due to be assembled
in northern Michigan. Next are a few pictures of last year's raising. |
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This year, Tillers International has a huge new home on a
farm near Kalamazoo. One of it's first projects is the construction of a
timber frame to house it's new blacksmith shop. The timber framing class
worked during the week to create frame components, and Saturday volunteer
showed up to help. This time we got to help make components, as the raising
is scheduled for later this spring. |
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Not as much to see at the end of the day this year, but we made enough components to put together one bent as a design exercise. The two main posts and the braces are white oak and the rest of the structure is really moist pine. A little prodding and persuading put the bent together, so we could all see a nice result for all of our work that day. | |
If you've ever wanted to get an up close look at what building a timber frame is like, you owe it to yourself to try and attend a raising. If you live within driving distance of Kalamazoo Michigan, then you're really in luck. You'll meet some great people, see a teriffic operation like Tillers International and come away with a great woodworking experience. I should mention that Tillers also provides coffee and homemade donuts in the morning and a big lunch for everyone, so you won't run out of fuel while you're working. Check out Tillers' website for more information about thier programs and classes. | |
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