An old bridge...wrought iron or not????

melsdad

melsdad

Joined
Apr 3, 2008
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522
Construction is under way to revamp a local bridge. They are tearing off all the old railings from the sidewalks.
This bridge was built in 1931. What are the chances of the railing material being wrought iron?
 
Very good.

If you can get a small piece to cut on; put it in a vise and cut 3/4 through with a hack saw and bend it over. If its wrought iron you will see the strands of metal very clearly.

I got a bunch of WI jail bars from the early 1900 when they tore down a local jail house.

Good Luck, Fred
 
Thanks Fred! I will have to go talk to some of the workers. I'm thinking if I approach them with a case of beer swinging in my hand it may put the odds of getting some material in my favor.
 
Worth a shot. As Fred says, it will seem "fibrous" if it's real WI. Kind of a pain to work with if you ask me but some folks love the look and the history.
 
1931...I tend to think ,NOT. But as said, check it out. If not wrought, you can always find some structural use for the metal.
 
Odds are not looking good for wrought iron...Tell them friendly bridgemen your interest and they'll most likely hook you up regardless of the material.Its all going in the scrap heap anyway! check old farm dumps for wagon wheel rims (wooden spoke) There should be wrought to be found near steel city:thumbup:
 
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