Practical Action Publishing
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Hot-dip Galvanizing
The demand for more durable fasteners to extend the life of equipment such as fishing vessels makes this illustrated introduction to hot-dip galvanizing an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of works managers, engineers, government officials and field project officers. Hot-dip galvanizing is...
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Housing without Houses
This book presents a wide range of innovative ideas and practical methods for housing, together with illustrative examples and actual projects. Its methods are targeted to housing production in places where resources are scarce, demand is high, urgency is acute, and where change and uncertainty are...
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How Africa Works
Occupational change is generally assumed to accompany ‘development’ and to be a necessary part of achieving improved standards of living. But occupational change goes beyond individuals’ economic activities and income-earning to redefine their social identity and contribute fundamentally to the reco...
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How to Build a Cretan Sail Windpump
This windpump design was adapted from a series of low-lift windmills developed in Ethiopia. A very successful windpump which when scientifically tested pumped nearly twice as much water as the original design. Contains constructional details and plans.
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How to Build Safer Houses with Confined Masonry
Tom Schacher, Nadia Carlevaro, Guillaume Roux-Fouillet
Low-rise buildings in earthquake-prone areas in many parts of the world are often constructed by self-taught masons and contractors. How to build safer houses with confined masonry: a guide for masons is an essential ‘how to’ handbook bringing together a collected knowledge of earthquake-resistant c...
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How to Make a Folding Machine for Sheet Metal Work
Gives full details on how to build and use a versatile machine for working sheet metal
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How to Make a Foot-Operated Workshop Drill
Describes how to build a drilling machine appropriate for rural workshops, and gives full assembly instructions. The machine, which is a vertical drill for use with either metal or wood, can drill holes up to 12mm in diameter in 12mm steel plates.
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How to Make a Hand-Operated Hole-Punch
Describes the process of building a machine for punching holes in sheet metal, with full dimensions and instructions. Designed for construction from readily available steel sections, this machine can be built by most workshops or blacksmiths.
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How to Make a Metal-Bending Machine
Using simple plans and photographs this booklet describes the construction and assembly of a metal-bending machine, whose main feature is the ability to form wheel rims from cold flat mild steel; this wheel can be used on farm carts and other basic equipment.
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How to Make a Pipe-Bending Machine
Articles such as hospital and school equipment - bed frames, chairs, tables, handrails - all require the bending of pipe. This manual gives full instructions on how to make a pipe-bending machine, which could be made by most workshops or blacksmiths.