Metal Tools
The blacksmith makes most of the tools used by farmers, though large metal tools are made in factories. For example, the previous generation of blacksmiths used to make bulluck cart wheels, but now they are made primarily in factories. The carpenter adds handles to the metal tools.
Costs
Scythes cost 20 Rupees, and axe heads cost 100 Rupees. The cost of tool sharpening varies - 5 Rupees for a scythe and 10 for an axe head.
Materials
The metal to make tools are made from long strips of steel that are brought in from Pune and carried by a hired truck. Tools can be sold around Pabal and surrounding villages.
Changes
The
blacksmith makes most of the tools used by farmers, though large metal
tools are made in factories. For example, the previous generation of
blacksmiths used to make bulluck cart wheels, but now they are made
primarily in factories.
The blacksmith says that he works significantly less than his parents used to - they used to work 12 hours a day, and he works about four hours a day (8am-noon while it is cooler outside). He estimates that he will be out of a job in 2-5 years. At that point he intends to work at a workshop.
