Tag: Scythe

Upcoming Workshop — Build a (Timber-Framing) Toolbox, Mar. 25, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

March 3, 2023

This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically run $50 with a cap of $500 for ten or more. See also: Timber Felling (Mar. 11), … More Upcoming Workshop — Build a (Timber-Framing) Toolbox, Mar. 25, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

Upcoming Workshop — Refurbishing Tools, Apr. 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

March 2, 2023

This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically run $50 with a cap of $500 for ten or more. See also: Timber Felling (Mar. 11), … More Upcoming Workshop — Refurbishing Tools, Apr. 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

Upcoming Workshop — Felling Trees for Timber, Mar. 26, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

February 21, 2023

ATTENTION: Due to inclement weather, the date of this has been changed from Mar. 11 to 26. This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically … More Upcoming Workshop — Felling Trees for Timber, Mar. 26, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $35 ($30 for members)

June 7, 2022

We’ve been growing and processing wheat and rye by hand for a few years. In mid-July, we will harvest it using scythes and sickles.  Then it has to get tied into sheaves and stood up in shocks to dry. Once dry, it has to be threshed to remove the grains from the heads, and then … More Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $35 ($30 for members)

Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 17( & 18?), 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $40 (CANCELLED)

June 9, 2021

Last year, we harvested industrial wheat by hand. We learned a lot from that process and decided to plant our own heritage wheat. In mid-July, we will harvest it using scythes and sickles.  Then it has to get tied into sheaves and stood up in shocks to dry. Once dry, it has to be threshed … More Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat and Rye, Jul. 17( & 18?), 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $40 (CANCELLED)

Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat, Jul. 25, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., $20 (Space is Limited)

June 12, 2020

We’re trying to grow and harvest all of our food this year to simulate the collapse of fossil fuels. As part of that, we’ve purchased a tenth of an acre of organic wheat from a neighbor. In late July, we will harvest it using scythes and sickles.  Then it has to get tied into sheaves … More Upcoming Workshop — Hand-Harvesting Wheat, Jul. 25, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., $20 (Space is Limited)

Using the Scythe — From Contributor Matt Miles

March 23, 2017

See yesterday’s post on the scythe’s background, also from Matt Miles. Using a scythe is straightforward enough. The user lifts the snath and brings the blade down in a circular, sweeping motion to cut grass or grain close to the ground, aiming to cut as much as possible with each swing of the scythe blade, … More Using the Scythe — From Contributor Matt Miles

Notes on the Scythe — From Contributor Matt Miles

March 22, 2017

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s follow-up post on using the scythe, also from Matt Miles. Much like the broadfork, the scythe is a human-powered alternative to mechanical and power-driven mowers that have largely displaced the scythe from the farmer’s tool shed. However, in recent years this tool has enjoyed a comeback with small farmers and homesteaders … More Notes on the Scythe — From Contributor Matt Miles