Homemade Contrivances and How to Make Them: 1001 Labor-Saving Devices for Farm, Garden, Dairy, and Workshop

Price: $22.95 - $12.21
(as of Sep 26, 2026 19:03:20 UTC – Details)


The traditional American devices contained in this intriguing compilation date from an era long before milking machines, pesticide sprayers, and industrial hay bailers. Yet the simple inventions described for doing everything from managing young bulls to protecting drain outlets can be just as useful for today’s farmer as they were for the homesteaders of over a century ago. Discover how to make such items as a movable nest for hens, a ribless boat, a contraption to extricate a mired animal, a farm cart with adjustable racks for larger loads, a wire fence tightener, a fruit picker, a grindstone set and frame, and much more. This book is a boon for the rancher, farmer, or anyone who loves the rural life.
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skyhorse
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 17, 2007
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 640 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1602390185
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1602390188
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.38 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1.6 x 7.5 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #53,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #4 in Hand Tools (Books) #8 in Sustainability & Green Design #20 in Carpentry
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (377) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Customers find the book informative, with one noting it provides insight into 1800s and early 1900s farm practices, and they appreciate its interesting content. The illustrations receive mixed feedback – while some find them interesting, others find them vague. The book gets mixed reactions regarding its content, with some saying it’s exactly what they hoped for while others say it’s not what they were expecting. The historical value and usability also receive mixed reviews.