Iron foundry basics
Practical Action
technical instruction manuals and books is included on the final pages.
Further reading
Blacksmithing Practical Action Technical Brief
The Blacksmith and the Farmer, Poston D, Practical Action Publishing, 1994
Blacksmith, Baker, Roofing Sheet Maker, Carr M, Practical Action Publishing, 1984
Iron Foundry Basics Practical Action Technical Brief
Metalworking Practical Action Technical Brief
Blacksmithing, Welding and Soldering, Van Winden J, TOOL, Amsterdam, 1989
Basic Blacksmithing: An introduction to toolmaking, David Harries, Practical Action Publishing,
1993
Blacksmithing Instructors’ Guide: Sixteen lesson plans with teaching advice, David Harries,
Practical Action Publishing, 1993
This brief is based on the publication Industry Profile Iron Foundry compiled by the
Industrial Liaison Unit of the Intermediate Technology Development Group Ltd (now
Practical Action). February 1975.
The booklet is one of a series designed to provide information about basic industrial skills
and processes suitable to developing communities. Its aim was to give a "profile" of the
ironfounding industry, describing, in general terms, the technological choices available.
Acknowledgements
Practical Action is grateful to leading specialists in foundry practice in the U.K. for their
help in preparing this profile:
Mr. M. M. Hallett,
Mr. F. C. Hayes
Dr. R. Tylecote
Mr. I. C. H. Hughes
Mr. G. R. Morton
Managing Director, Chamberlin and Hill Ltd.,
(Mr. Hayes was previously Director, Foundry Industry Training
Committee),
Department of Metallurgy, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Deputy Director, British Cast Iron, Research Association,
Alvechurch, Birmingham.
(Deceased), Ex-Curator, The Ironbridge Gorge Museum.
We are particularly grateful to Dr. A. E. Wraith, Department of Metallurgy, University of
Newcastle upon Tyne, for his practical experimental and design work on a charcoal fired
crucible furnace for melting foundry iron;" and to Mr. E. G. Mobsby who made available a
site for the work and helped with his knowledge and equipment
Practical Action
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Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
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E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the most
profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been working closely with
some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and transform their lives for the better.
We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.
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