The Survival of the Fitter

John Powell

This book traces the development of Ghana's informal engineering sector through stories of the progress of the actual people involved. The first generation of grassroots engineers are wayside vehicle mechanics, or 'fitters', engaged in repairing machinery. The author argues that the evolution of a f...

Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT)

Bevill Packer

Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT) is a comprehensive survey of the technologies for making a wide range of products from chess-men to armchairs, from trays to solar cookers, using paper. It is a revised and updated edition of the Manual of APT published by IRED, Harare, 1989 and 1991. The rev...

Bamboo Preservation

This brief looks at some of the options that can be used in bamboo preservation.

Making Wheels

Ron Dennis

A low-cost technology which will enable workshops to set up their own facilities and manufacture a range of wheels from standard steel sections. For those familiar with metalworking techniques. Presented with technical drawings and sketches.

Clay Testing

Anura Gaspe, Peter Messer, Pete Young

Aimed at those working on stove projects or manufacture of ceramic stoves, this books offers clear explanations of some of the causes of the problems encountered while the stove is in use and gives straightforward methods of avoiding them. The findings of a clay-testing programme carried out with a...

The Technological Transformation of Rural India

A. Reddy, A S Bhalla

Using case studies from India this book presents a conceptual model of commercialization of rural technologies in developing countries. It concludes that India has not placed enough emphasis on ensuring the efficiency of small-scale production units.

Made in Africa

Janet Leek, Andrew Scott, Matthew Taylor

This book examines the pros and cons of the local production of carpentry hand-tools as opposed to their importation. In seeking the best strategy to adopt it also outlines the previous methods adopted by VSO and Intermediate Technology who have much experience in this area. Published in the VSO ECO...

Carpentry Toolmaking

Aaron Moore

This guide for carpentry instructors includes detailed plans for practical demonstrations, and important theoretical aspects of the craft. The tools include planes, clamps, workbench and vice. There is also a section on basic blacksmithing techniques.

Basic Blacksmithing

David Harries, Bernhard Heer

Starting with only an anvil and a few basic tools, almost all the tools needed by a blacksmith can be made from commonly found materials. With clear instructions this book gives step by step instructions on basic blacksmithing.

The Blacksmithing Instructors Guide

David Harries

This guide is designed to help skilled blacksmiths who have little or no teaching experience to train others in forge work techniques, using easily obtainable equipment and scrap metal to produce tools such as hoes, sickles, hammers and axes.