Blacksmithing Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is the chosen metal for blacksmiths. It is stronger than cast iron. It is not brittle and it never breaks. Wrought-iron projects include beds, tables, chairs, gates, railings and even gifts. In the middle ages, wrought iron was used to tie masonry arches and domes. Wrought iron is long-lasting and maintenance-free. It will rust over time, but it takes a very long time, and if an annual inspection is performed, damage can be prevented. If you are a blacksmith or you are looking into the hobby, you may want to consider working with wrought iron. If that is the case, read through the following steps to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Forge (furnace) Hammer Tongs Pliers

1. Hold the wrought iron with a pair of tongs or pliers. A vice-grip is another alternative.

2. Place the wrought iron inside the blacksmith's forge, or his furnace, until it becomes soft enough to change the shape.

3. Heat the iron in increasing temperatures until the color of the iron changes from red to orange and then yellow. When it turns to white, it's too hot.

4. Hammer the wrought iron on the anvil to shape it while the color is a yellow-orange. Sculpt the iron while it is hot.

5. Continue to forge the wrought iron using the different forging techniques; bending, drawing, punching, shrinking and upsetting.

Tips & Warnings

• Repaint wrought-iron work regularly. This keeps it looking clean and new. The forge is fueled by propane, coal, coke, natural gas or charcoal.
• Check for chipping, water lodging in joints, and any restoration that might need to be done. Fix wrought-iron problems as soon as you can get to them--preferably when the weather is warm and dry.