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.

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...

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...

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...

How to Make a Rope and Washer Pump

Robert Lambert

Shows how to make a simple, cheap, pump suitable for small-holding and garden use, a pump which can raise water from rivers or wells, with lifts of up to 30 metres. A simple clear text, with line drawings, showing how common materials can be used.

Dyeing and Printing

John Foulds

The text and line drawings describe chemical dyeing and printing techniques as they apply to small-scale operations, and how to plan for small-scale production.(Published in the Small-scale Textiles series).

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.

A Wheel-Manufacturing Technology for Rural Workshops

A small-scale approach to making wheels using a jig

Wood and Woodworking Tools

E. Richards

This handbook describes a range of hand tools and simple muscle-powered machinery appropriate to developing countries where abundant labour can offset the problems of limited funds or unreliable sources of energy for mechanization.