Classic Hand Tools reveals the rich variety and history of hand tools through engaging prose and vivid color photographs. Before the machine age, all woodworking and carpentry was done with hand tools, and an amazing variety of tools evolved for a wide range of tasks. Even today, with machinery available for many woodworking operations, some tasks are more easily and efficiently accomplished with hand tools. Many of these tools are as elegant as they are ingenious, and Classic Hand Tools celebrates their great heritage in word and picture.
The infinite possibilities of paper folding inspired origami, a simple, traditional craft that appeals to both children and adults. This comprehensive guide to the materials, tools, techniques, symbols and skills behind the Japanese art of folding paper into wondrous shapes is illustrated with refreshingly simple step-by-step diagrams. Crafters of all ages can quickly learn to create the basic folds, from the beginner's box glider and fish to such advanced projects as Green Man and murex shell. THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ORIGAMI also takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the finest origami models being made around the world today.
Building a Straw Bale House: The Red Feather Construction Handbook
For more than a decade the Red Feather Development Group, a volunteer-based organization, has built and repaired straw bale houses for Native Americans. Somewhere along the wayand this was certainly not the planthey created an architectural phenomenon: This inexpensive, environmentally sound, easily constructed, and downright beautiful form of building has, for good reason,caught the public's imagination. Here, Red Feather provides a step-by-step, easy-to-follow manual for would-be strawbale buildersindeed, they supply everything you'll need but time, energy, and lots and lots of straw
A practical how-to book which not only covers the construction of straw bale walls, but has comprehensive sections on regulations, site selection and preparation, flooring, window and door installation, electrical and plumbing installation, ceilings, roofs, rendering, etc. Not a book for those wanting pretty pictures, but it has detailed information that allows the novice owner-builder to understand the process of building their straw bale home. Note: This book follows Australian building practices.
Building with straw bales is being embraced by amateurs and professionals for its versatility, comfort, environmental friendliness and high insulation. New methods should expand its growing worldwide popularity. Practical Straw Bale Building describes the best of current practices and introduces new ideas in a practical step-by-step approach, supported by technical data and analysis. Starting from how straw bales are made, it describes the building of both in-fill and load-bearing walls, discusses the properties of materials used to plaster the walls, and details how particular features are incorporated, such as windows, doors, arches, plumbing and electrical
