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THE EQUIPMENT 27 raised. The proper handling of the fire will come by experience if these suggestions are followed. Materials.—The materials used in forging are iron, soft steel and tool steel. Where there is a great deal of welding to be done it is advisable to use iron. In the formation of scrollwork and all parts not to be welded, soft steel is best, as it will stand the strain in working better than iron. For embossed work sheet steel is best—deep stamping steel. Norway iron may be used in some cases. It is not the purpose of this volume to give the method of manufacturing the various kinds of material in use, as this knowledge is not essential to one working out the examples given later, and it is thought better to devote the space to them. Wrought Iron.—Swedish iron is considered the best iron for forging. This is because the ore and the process used in manufacturing it are superior. It will readily bend cold to any angle without danger of cracking, and it may be forged in many difficult shapes while hot. The common wrought iron, however, is used more generally in forging than the Swedish, on account of its cheapness, and for nearly all kinds of work it is good enough. Iron may be readily distinguished when broken, its grain presenting a fibrous appearance with little dark streaks running lengthwise through the bar. These dark streaks are what is known as slag. Iron contains very little if any carbon. |
Hand Forging by Thomas F. Googerty