There was a thread on this subject this that went back a couple years. A fair amount of "fluff" gathered in it, partly due to the fact that my original question which started the thread might not have been too clear at first.

But once people got the idea, there were many very valuable recommendations, useful in the U.S. and Canada. So to make the info concise and hence quicker and easier to read, IÂm summing up. Knowing that these sources exist is the valuable thing -- but once you know, then these sources are pretty easily findable with Google, Yahoo, or any search engine. In many cases, you can order a print catalogue for free or for very little cost.

The original thread is still on the board here, and you may find it to be enjoyable reading.

Also, please do feel free to add more catalogues here to this new thread  there must be quite a few other noteworthy sources that we havenÂt yet named here.

LeehmanÂs Non-Electric Catalogue [suggested by Lesli8] Â farm, garden, kitchen tools and equipment for non-electric situations.

Berry Hill (their annual Country Living Catalogue) [suggested by Maggie J] Â a catalogue of serious and well-made farm and rural appliances, equipment, and supplies.

Home Power (@http://www.homepower.com/home/ ) Â a magazine that publishes an on-line catalogue for home-scale renewable energy (solar, wind, etc) equipment and supplies. [suggested by Jason Reno]

Lee Valley Tools (Canada) [suggested by Mountain Man BC] Â a source for good-quality, sometimes pricy, but durable woodworking and gardening tools.

http://www.realgoods.com & http://www.sierrasolar.com [suggested by Lilrose] Â two on-line catalogues with home-scale renewable-energy equipment and supplies.

Northern Tool and Equipment [suggested by jane d] Â high-quality auto, metal, general-shop tools, plus woodburning heaters, etc.

Suggested by myself:

The Ben Meadows Forestry Equipment catalogue  a catalogue of professional-quality forest-related technical equipment.

Summit Tools (Canadian) Â High-quality hand and machine tools for carpenters, woodworkers, machinists, general shop, etc.

Grizzly Industrial (U.S.) Â High-quality machine tools (including pneumatic and hydraulic) for machinists, carpenters, etc.

Woodcraft Supply  fine woodworking hand tools and some power tools; a U.S. company that is similar to Lee Valley(described above).

Please do add more...