Hot Steel & Cold Cider | PEER Project Oct ‘24

At Rock Wall Garden, "Hand-Cranked" is our middle name. We are passionate about producing things without the aid of gasoline or electricity. Hand-operated machinery holds great value for several reasons.

First and foremost, any machine that works when the power is out is invaluable, especially if we rely on such equipment for our livelihood. But as we collect this machinery—which can be both rare and expensive—other benefits start to emerge.

One of the most important benefits is safety. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to work. At Rock Wall Garden, young people with disabilities, such as autism, are often part of our activities. Unfortunately, power equipment can become a barrier, discouraging team efforts and overall work satisfaction.

Consider these two scenarios: a) A single employee does laps with a rototiller while others spread compost with wheelbarrows and rakes. b) Everyone takes turns using broadcast spreaders and loosening the ground with heavy broadforks, with plenty of giggling and jumping around. Both scenarios get the job done, but which group had the most fun?

Hand-operated machinery fosters community. Friendly rivalry to see who can crank the fastest (without jamming the gears) builds respect and provides a welcome break for tired muscles. Who minds giving up their turn when it means they get to rest?

Hand-operated machinery also tends to be well-made, as the physics involved demand it. For example, flywheels must be heavy to maintain the angular momentum needed for smooth operation. The leverage from a handle depends on the length of the lever arm, making it essential for these machines to be disassembled for storage or transport. These factors translate to durable, cast metal and replaceable parts—essentially making these tools "heirloom" quality.

It’s clear that hand-operated tools are good for both the environment and people. When we bought the hand-cranked blower for our blacksmith forge, it wasn’t cheap, but we knew it was the right choice—it’s part of our brand!

The firepot for Rock Wall Forge's coke forge is detachable. Being skilled metalworkers, my husband Brian and son Jimmie built another forge table to go with the hand-cranked blower. The entire setup is portable, allowing us to move it to different locations.

Tripp Farm has a charming old building open on two sides, which was perfect for our annual cider event and blacksmithing demonstration. At Rock Wall Garden, we believe visitors should never stand around bored. Everyone had a chance to operate the blower, and the shadowy building was the perfect backdrop for the red flames leaping above the tuyere, rewarding their efforts.

While Brian and Jimmie made nails and performed some metalworking demonstrations, anyone looking for a change of pace could help pick apples in the nearby orchard. That’s one of the great things about a small farm or homestead—there’s always productive work close by.

As usual, our visitors pressed cider in the greenhouse, relying on experience from past years. All of our cider equipment is hand-operated, though I usually mention that ultra-modern device, the "microwave," during our goodbyes. There’s no substitute for the taste of fresh-pressed cider, but I want everyone to feel confident about food safety.

We were thrilled to have Judy Tripp join us this year with the USU Peer Project. Her main goal for everyone who visits her farm is for them to feel loved and cared for. Isn’t that a beautiful goal? As her co-worker, I aim for everyone to feel needed and important. Just watch our video—do our visitors feel loved? Look at those smiles. Do they feel needed? We couldn’t accomplish anything at Rock Wall Garden without all hands on deck.