The Renewable Energy Home Handbook is biased towards the practical, and covers the installation of all leading types of alternative domestic energy sources - from ground- and air-source heat pumps, PV solar electricity generation and solar water heating, to bio-mass domestic heating systems and wind turbines. Discussing the pros and cons of each technology, it also provides you with a clear overview of what's genuinely required and the benefits to be gained from each system. The author, Lindsay Porter, is best known for his books on motor vehicle technology, making car mechanics and body repairs easy to understand and carry out. But alternative energy and conservation have long been a passion for him and his wife, Shan, so this manual is very much a labour of love. Here, Lindsay applies his commitment to making difficult subjects easy for everyone to understand to the money-saving - planet-saving - systems we can apply to our homes.

Thoroughly analyzes, explains and illustrates the criteria and techniques used by the Shakers to design, construct and finish the furniture and crafts for which they have long been admired-in authoritative text, over 250 photographs and measured drawings for over 80 classic designs, ranging from a sugar scoop to a peg-leg footstool to a Harvard trestle table. 262 halftones. 140 black-and-white line illustrations. Index.

Written and illustrated by master wood engraver Barry Moser, this primer on the art of wood engraving is filled with valuable knowledge including how to prepare a printing block; how to think in the medium's properties of line, shape, and ink; and how to transfer a drawing onto a block. It also offers practical advice on which tools to use for a project and which ink works best. A highly illustrated guide to this art form, Wood Engraving will be useful to experienced and beginner engravers alike. This book features stunning examples of Moser's art and skill to admire and inspire.

A faster route to handcrafted results! In the last few years, there's been a push to return to the roots of woodworking when every step was done with hand tools--from resawing lumber and planing it flat, to cutting joins and creating profiles. Working this way can produce beautiful results, but is it the best method for woodworking in the 21st century? In Hybrid Woodworking, author and Internet woodworking star Marc Spagnuolo offers a more efficient approach that combines the strength of power-tool and hand-tool techniques. The end result: You save time and effort while producing furniture that still has that stunning handmade look. The Hybrid System Hybrid Woodworking will show you which machines and power tools are best for the grunt work of furniture making. It will explain which hand tools are essential for fine-tuning. And best of all, it will demonstrate techniques for working flawlessly and efficiently with every machine and tool in your shop. Making beautiful furniture can be immensely gratifying. By adopting the hybrid woodworking system you can get to that satisfying end result with less effort while enjoying every step along the way.

This book is a clear, lively and fun introduction to sculpting in wire. Very much aimed at beginners, there are 6 projects of increasing difficulty, aiming to teach the beginner how to sculpt in wire from the most basic starting point up through to soldering. The projects start off by learning about wire and using simply pliers, and then how to incorporate other materials such as tin, feathers and material. Finally the last project includes the use of some simple silver soldering. Clear step-by-step images show the processes involved in every project. Images of fantastic sculptures in wire by contemporary artists are scattered throughout, showing everything from hats and shoes, to life-size figures, sheep and even elephants.

Kumiko is a delicate and sophisticated art created by assembling small wooden pieces into beautiful patterns, and Matt Kenney's latest book offers step-by-step instructions for 10 patterns, with a level of detail that cannot be found in print elsewhere. Also included are cutting diagrams for several original decorative wall panels that make use of the patterns taught in the book. In The Art of Kumiko you'll learn Kenney's methods for making Kumiko, which combine the accuracy and efficiency of modern woodworking equipment with the precision of hand tools to create beautiful pieces. You'll also learn how to incorporate Kumiko in both furniture designs and as stand-alone framed panels that pay homage to this centuries-old craft.

There is much discussion among artisans when it comes to improving the cutting behavior of tools quickly and permanently, but the debate is settled here, where expert engineers and master craftsmen prove the benefits of sharpening blades and tools using methods based on time-tested Japanese water stone grinding techniques. Learn through detailed instructions how to get perfect edges on your chisels, planes, axes and hatchets, woodcarving and woodturning tools, drill bits, and handsaws in a tool-conserving and-in the best sense of the word-sustainable way, using stones, files, and specially designed machines. Manual sharpening has the added advantage that only as much material as absolutely necessary is taken off the steel. Founded on a scientific understanding of steel types and sharpening means and filled with valuable tips, this guide is a standard-setting volume and the ideal companion on the path to acquiring sharper and better edges on all your hand tools.

This title offers expert advice on essential home decoration and maintenance, including painting, papering, tiling, laying floors, carpentry skills, insulation, and outdoor projects and repairs. Projects include painting and varnishing wood, tiling a work surface, laying foam-backed carpet, replacing window panes, fitting window locks, making a garage storage wall, insulating roofs, repairing roofs and guttering, laying decking, making pergolas, building rock gardens, installing water features, and many more. It features a guide to tools for a wide range of do-it-yourself jobs, including using chisels, saws, drills, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and sanders. Over 2400 photographs illustrate each step-by-step project, to provide instant reference. Looking after your home is economical and satisfying, and this book is filled with practical tips for do-it-yourself jobs. All areas of the home are covered, both indoors and out. There is clear step-by-step advice on internal and external maintenance, repairs, carpentry, flooring, brickwork, roofing, fences, walls and paths.The book includes instructions for painting and papering walls and ceilings, laying ceramic tiles, fitting floor coverings and carpets, making bookshelves, draught-proofing doors, repointing brickwork, laying patios and installing ponds and fountains. The book also contains a guide to tools, from saws and drills to spanners and paintbrushes. A reference for beginners and experienced do-it-yourselfers alike, this is an essential manual that you will refer to again and again.

This complete, illustrated practical guide tells you everything you will need to know in order to master this fascinating aspect of woodcraft. Learn to plan and design a box as you work through ten step-by-step projects, beginning with the simplest forms.

A treehouse is a wonderful idea, but how in the name of creation do you actually build one? In this delightfully illustrated handbook, David Stiles, the unofficial world grandmaster of the treehouse, shows how. Not assuming anything about the treehouse builder, Stiles starts with the basics: how to nail, how to buy wood, what kind of screws and nails to use. Then it's on to an A-frame design so simple that it can be built in a weekend out of four sheets of plywood, followed by lean-tos, a tree hut, and a Tarzan-style jungle hideaway. There are also forts of every description, including a 21-foot-tall lookout tower modeled on one George Washington built to keep an eye on the redcoats. Stiles also adds a design for a snowball catapult, an igloo and even a Nerf-loaded cannon. Written for children, with an adult peeking over their shoulder, Stiles's TREEHOUSES, HUTS, & FORTS is a dreamer's handbook, offering practical results.

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:

• solar energy basics
• components of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances)
• installation practice
• on planning and servicing systems
• water pumping
• refrigeration
• village electrification.

This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Whether you're pouring a concrete walkway or staking out the excavation for a basement foundation, doing the job right demands a thorough knowledge of concrete construction techniques. In Working with Concrete, veteran builder Rick Arnold explains everything from mix characteristics and formwork options to waterproofing details and repair procedures. You'll benefit from Arnold's years as a general contractor, framer, and foundation contractor as he offers time- and money-saving advice that comes from understanding the subject from all angles. Get the rock-solid results youre after with this comprehensive guide to building with concrete. This book will enable you to: prepare a site for excavation evaluate soil conditions lay out footings and foundation walls use site-made and manufactured forms install proper reinforcement in footings, walls, and flat work estimate and order ready-mix concrete test and evaluate concrete quality before the pour build walkways, patios, steps, and slabs from start to finish

Revive your worn and damaged chairs! Restore and repair your antique or worn-out chairs with the techniques in this handy guide. By learning how to make repairs yourself, you'll be able to skip the high costs of professional craftsmen. With clear demonstrations of weaving patterns and processes, Chair Caning & Seat Weaving Handbook will guide you through preparing your chair, gathering the required tools, weaving, and finishing it. Even beginners will enjoy success using these easy-to-understand, illustrated, step-by-step instructions for each project including: " Cane Seats " Shaker Tape Seats " and Rush Seats

Authors David and Jeannie Stiles give readers all the information they need to build their own cabins -- whether it be as a wilderness retreat or a backyard studio. The authors describe each step in the process from buying land to obtaining services, from finding qualified construction help to deciding on and developing plans for a structure that suits their lifestyle and budget. Cabins is packed with detailed illustrations, plans and common-sense advice.

Chapters include classic construction methods: how to build a log cabin, pole-built and stick-built cabin, post-and-beam, stone, cordwood and kit cabins. Construction methods are clearly illustrated in photographs and drawings and the advantages of each are explained in detail. Foundations, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, installing utilities, water and sanitary systems and heating are all discussed.

Many designs are presented as inspiration and to help readers select the cabin that is perfect for them: homesteader log cabin, writing cabin, guest cabin, Japanese moon-gazing cabin, lakeside retreat, pyramid and A-frame, and hillside Mediterranean cabin. The authors include personal reminiscences from successful builders and cabin owners, and discuss furnishings and accessories that can help readers get the most enjoyment out of their newly built wilderness retreat.

A complete step-by-step guide to essential woodwork techniques, from choosing and cutting timber to planning, measuring, marking, cutting, shaping and joining. Essential troubleshooting tips are supplied throughout. Learn how to control power tools with accuracy, and select and use the 10 essential hand tools that will give your work a beautiful, hand-finished quality. Choose from a selection of projects - simple furniture and decorative items complete with cutting lists and full instructions - to practise the techniques. Be inspired by a gallery of finished examples from professional woodworkers to take your woodwork further. You will also find a wood identifier section that describes the key characteristics of different types of timber and suggests how to use them. Dip into this brilliant resource to build new skills, repair existing items and create fantastic projects.

From the stars of the Netflix series Get Organized with The Home Edit, here is an accessible, room-by-room guide to establishing new order in your home.

Believe this: every single space in your house has the potential to function efficiently and look great. The mishmash of summer and winter clothes in the closet? Yep. Even the dreaded junk drawer? Consider it done. And the best news: it’s not hard to do—in fact, it’s a lot of fun.

From the home organizers who made their orderly eye candy the method that everyone swears by comes Joanna and Clea’s signature approach to decluttering. The Home Edit walks you through paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in a stunning and easy-to-find way (hello, labels!), and maintaining the system so you don’t need another do-over in six months. When you’re done, you’ll not only know exactly where to find things, but you’ll also love the way it looks.

A masterclass and look book in one, The Home Edit is filled with bright photographs and detailed tips, from placing plastic dishware in a drawer where little hands can reach to categorizing pantry items by color (there’s nothing like a little ROYGBIV to soothe the soul). Above all, it’s like having your best friends at your side to help you turn the chaos into calm.

This title offers professional techniques to bring your furniture back to life. It features clear step-by-step instructions for everyday restoration tasks, such as polishing, staining, waxing, graining, gilding, veneering, and marquetry and parquetry repairs. It contains expert advice on essential tools, equipment and materials, from saws, hammers, screwdrivers, clamps and chisels to veneers, polishes, gilts, leather and locks. Projects include removing a blister, raising a dent, disguising a scratch, cleaning marble, reviving leather, laying veneer sheets, and restoring a damaged edge. This book is an essential guide to basic and advanced restoration techniques for antique surfaces. A section on tools and equipment includes directories of all the materials you need for successful home furniture repair. Projects include removing a watermark, releathering a top, reviving a polished surface, cleaning metal, French polishing, waxing a carved surface, replacing bandings, and repairing rosewood pole screens. With its detailed overview and professional guidance illustrated by more than 400 photographs, this book will enable any budding restorer to develop a true understanding of a range of furniture surfaces and how to repair them.

Superb guide to every aspect of the craft: necessary tools and appliances, esthetics of wood carving, comprehensive history of wood carving design, and of course, clear, precise instructions on every technique. Index.

Nothing matches the look and feel of stone structures in and around your home. Yet most people are intimidated by the very thought of masonry, despite the obvious rewards. In Stone Building, Kevin Gardner distills his decades of experience building and maintaining iconic New England-style stone walls into this concise, informative guide. Gardner offers step-by-step instructions for building everything from flagstone walkways to classic patios and ornate fire pits. He also offers time-tested tips to help care for your stone, as well as repair and restoration advice for existing structures.

Making a longbow in only two days? No sweat! In their two-day workshops, the bowmakers team of Kunst-Griff introduced many enthusiastic beginners to the basics of making a wooden longbow--demonstrating each action step by step, in a comprehensible and clear way. This compact book, now in color, brings their workshop to you! Covering basic topics like ideal wood selection and the individual parts of a longbow, as well as more advanced construction like tillering, leather grips, bow stringers, Flemish splices and bowyer's knots in detail, this guide provides you with the basics to get started with the fascinating hobby of bow making.

Since its original publication in 1969 by Yankee, Inc., Vrest Orton's classic book on fireplace design has gone through numerous printings and has brought about a revival of the Rumford fireplace. The basic principles that Count Rumford set forth in 1795 describe the construction of a large shallow fireplace which does not smoke and which throws out much more heat than many of today's fireplaces which send too much of the heat up the chimney. This new edition contains some practical notes by Wally Leeds, a mason in Tunbridge, Vermont who builds Rumford fireplaces today.