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.

Small-scale Papermaking

A technical handbook to assist small-scale producers with alternative production techniques - to help them choose and apply those techniques which are most appropriate to local socio-economic conditions.

Fabric Manufacture

Alan Newton

Aimed at small, rural communities this book offers an introduction to simple methods of making textile fabrics which are used throughout the world. Includes sections on weaving, knitting, fibre entanglement, lace-making, braiding and knotting (Published in the Small-scale Textiles series).

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...

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.

Traditional Candlemaking

Deborah Millington

Describes different materials and techniques, showing methods suited to small-scale producers on a cottage industry level, or the individual at home. With help on techniques, terminology and equipment, and a troubleshooting chart.

Yarn Preparation

John A Iredale

Almost all fabrics, whether woven or knitted, are produced from spun thread. However, this thread or yarn, produced by the spinning operation, either by a hand spinner using the simplest drop spindle or spinning wheel, or spun on the latest automated spinning frame, is rarely in a form suitable to b...

Chenkumbi Lime

John Spiropoulos

Lime is not only an important building material but an essential ingredient in many industrial processes, such as agriculture and sugar manufacture. As a binder in the construction industry, it is simpler and cheaper to produce than Portland cement and yet just as effective for most building require...

Development of Indian Silk

Sanjay Sinha

Provides an overview of the techno-economic issues in the production of silk in India, examines the development impact of the activity and suggests strategies for strengthening its contribution to rural development.