- Joined
- Aug 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,297
Greetings everyone,
I got a chance to get back to the lake to search for more wrought iron today. It took a while, but I eventually found two more pieces; a peg shaped piece approx. 7 long, and a thin railing that is 8 long (not including the bends). I found the railing near where a house once stood. It was obviously a railing to support people on the rocky climb to the water. One of the anchor points is still in place. I was unable to dislodge it from the rock its embedded in. I took photos of the area where I found the rail and anchor. If you look closely at the center of the 1st photo you will see the rail. The peg was found several yards further along the shore. I dont know what it was used for.
I was pretty pleased with the day's haul. The only drawback to finding this free wrought iron is that its about a 40 minute hike, each way, over loose rock. Im probably missing more loot, but you really have to watch your step on this stuff. It is good exercise at least.
Now that I have this wrought iron, Id like to forge it into guards and other knife furniture. Whats the proper way to prepare it for forging. I was thinking that I could either grind/wire brush all the rust off, heat the metal and quench it in hope that the scale falls off, or just forge it as is. I assume that forging "as is" would inbed all the rust and crap more deeply into the metal. Perhaps soaking in vinegar or something would work? What would you guys suggest?
I got a chance to get back to the lake to search for more wrought iron today. It took a while, but I eventually found two more pieces; a peg shaped piece approx. 7 long, and a thin railing that is 8 long (not including the bends). I found the railing near where a house once stood. It was obviously a railing to support people on the rocky climb to the water. One of the anchor points is still in place. I was unable to dislodge it from the rock its embedded in. I took photos of the area where I found the rail and anchor. If you look closely at the center of the 1st photo you will see the rail. The peg was found several yards further along the shore. I dont know what it was used for.
I was pretty pleased with the day's haul. The only drawback to finding this free wrought iron is that its about a 40 minute hike, each way, over loose rock. Im probably missing more loot, but you really have to watch your step on this stuff. It is good exercise at least.
Now that I have this wrought iron, Id like to forge it into guards and other knife furniture. Whats the proper way to prepare it for forging. I was thinking that I could either grind/wire brush all the rust off, heat the metal and quench it in hope that the scale falls off, or just forge it as is. I assume that forging "as is" would inbed all the rust and crap more deeply into the metal. Perhaps soaking in vinegar or something would work? What would you guys suggest?
